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''....I describe it to people as a combination of pilates, core strength work, cable workout, and body weight exercises all in one."
- Gary Turner, Professional K-1 Fighter and Kickboxer 10 x World Champion

Though I use quite a few bodyweight training tools if I had to choose only one it would be the TRX Suspension Trainer unanimously. Already being touted by LaDainian Tomlinson (NFL, San Diego Chargers), Brandon Vera (MMA, UFC), Mark Bruener (NFL Tight End, Houston Texans), Drew Brees (NFL, New Orleans Saints), Heather Fuhr (Multisports, ProfessionalTRX! Triathlete), Ben Leber (NFL, Minnesota Vikings), Bas Rutten (MMA, UFC), US Army Rangers, Marine Special Operations, 82nd Airborne and the USS Enterprise to name a few! It has been featured in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Women's Health, Inside Triathlon, Men's Fitness, Outside, Golf Illustrated, Forbes and continues to receive rave Customer Reviews. Every year workout tools come and go but this will not be the case for the TRX Suspension Trainer. And here is why'.

The TRX Suspension Trainer was developed by Randy Hetrick, U.S. Navy SEAL and born out of pure necessity as opposed to a product based business idea. Read that sentence again. NECESSITY! You see, U.S. Navy Seals are small special-operation teams that are deployed on ships and subs neither of which is ideal for maintaining the elite levels of fitness required of them. And it was here that Randy Hetrick identified and developed a performance training tool that would come to be known as the TRX Suspension Trainer. Now that's not to say it's the exclusive right of the Elite. In fact, with its simplistic design, ease of use and Principles of Progression any person of any fitness level can obtain the benefits of the TRX Suspension Trainer. So let's take a closer look.

Constructed of industrial strength nylon webbing the TRX Trainer can accommodate over 350lbs (tested at 1400lbs) and comes in Two Models: The TRX Professional and The TRX Force (see End Notes for Comparisons). The anchoring system allows for workouts virtually anywhere from parks to garages to indoors (via TRX Door Anchor). The TRX incorporates foot cradles, numerous length configurations and handle modes. The DVD included in the package explains Setup, Proper anchoring height, How to lengthen and shorten the TRX, Configuring single handle mode, Using the foot cradles, Exercise techniques and the Principles of Progression. Since the setup, configuration and usage of the TRX are best explained through video we'll shift our focus to the discussion of the 'Principles of Progression-.

The TRX Suspension Trainer uses three principles: Vector, Stability and Pendulum.

The Vector Principle involves adding or reducing resistance by changing the angle of ones body. This is easily demonstrated by standing close to a wall, extending your hands and doing push-ups off of the wall. Now move you feet back a couple of feet and do the exercise again. Feel the difference? This is one example of the Vector Principle.

The Stability Principle is using ones base of support and center of gravity to achieve varying levels of intensity. For this example get into the push up position and perform a single push-up. Now, perform another push-up but this time lifting your right leg into the air during the repetition. Notice the two distinct differences? Number one your lack of base support created a repetition of greater intensity and number two you felt an increase pull in your core or belly region (your center of gravity point).

The Pendulum Principle is the shifting of ones bodyweight either towards or away from the established anchor point or points. A loose example of this principle would be to once again assume the pushup position. Now raise your right foot into the air and wave it side to side while simultaneously performing your pushup. Notice the extra use of core muscles? Did you also recognize that you were using two principles (stability, pendulum) simultaneously?

Understanding these principles are necessary to reaping the full benefits of the TRX Trainer. For example: An exercise is demonstrated in a fashion that is too difficult for you to perform. What do you do? You will need to apply your knowledge of these principles so as to decrease the intensity of the exercise. It's really very simple knowledge but is knowledge that you will need non the less. Also, if you are a serious athlete do not take the above examples lightly as they are simply demonstrations of the principles. Once again, the exercises can be made as easy or as hard as you desire. Put it this way. I have seen a number of Professional Athletes STRUGGLE to perform MULTIPLE CONTROLLED REPETITIONS of the TRX One Handed Side Plank with Floor Taps. BRUTAL!

As we have seen the TRX is unmatched in the fitness industry. This single device Increases Performance, Coordination, Metabolism, 'Power Center'(CORE), Reduces Injuries, Improves Balance and Joint Stability and Trains Multiple Planes of Motion. The TRX Trainers capabilities are only limited by your imagination. So have fun, train smart and train hard with The TRX Trainer!

Available at the NavySEALs.com Store. Buy Now!