TRX opinions and where to buy

[Fusen]

Hey!

So ive been hearing a lot of good things about the TRX suspension system, and Ive had a little play on one, and was thinking of getting one, BUT there a little pricey, however ive heard theres a raft of cheaper versians coming out, and wanted to know if anyone has had a go on these, and which ones are still good quality?

Also any feedback on the original TRX would be cool too!

http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/trx-training/military-fitness/

[Van Zandt]

I'm always dubious about merchandise that claims it was created in a Special Forces unit (SEALs in the case of TRX). Any links to testimonials from currently serving members?

[Fusen]

Yes, I know what you mean, that put me right off, But Ive had a go on it and it really does work well. Im at work at mo but from memory there was a pile of info if you google military TRX, But some of the sites were quite goofy, it has a lot of military feedback on amazon too.

However from what ive used and seen, its small, light and allows a lot of different body weight exercises with easy progressions so it would be good for the military, but that wouldnt sway me either way.

[slipthejab]

Will let you know soon... Just got access to one on a full time basis. From what I've read about it and used it briefly in the past... it's based on solid principles just repackaged. That is the same as it ever was in the training and fitness industries. Not necessarily a bad thing. Looking forward getting a few sessions in on this coming week. Will post back.

[Ad McG]

Great site with kit that looks IMO better although I haven't ever used either:

http://www.bwculture.net/

Personally I think the TRX is CRIMINALLY over-priced.

[Fusen]

Cheers mate! ill have a look now.

[TheAngle]

1. I have them both. USA from bwculture is more useful then TRX, at least to me.
2. Navy seals are experts in covert operations, not fitness. It's like asking a personal trainer to do a search and rescue mission.

[slipthejab]

ok Kusa... did my first run through of TRX today. Interesting stuff. I did a workout by a mate of mine and it involved all this new stuff that is really actually old stuff just repackaged. Every single bit of it.

TRX
Kettlebells
Powerbags

I was like a kid in a candy shop. Until my legs started pumping out lactic acid by the bucket load. :p

Ok my take on TRX... yep good fun. But you'd be better off taking classes somewhere than shelling out for it yourself. For a couple of reasons... unless you insanely self motivated to workout (I am but most people really aren't) it will be hard to keep up the enthusiasm... Navy Seals, Marine Recon etc. can because let's face it... when your stuck in a hot dirty bit of sand behind some barbed wire there isn't a whole lot to do... so TRX looks great.... at home... not so much.

The movements are a bit strange at first. It puts a lot of emphasis on good form (which is a good thing) and on recruitment of stability muscles etc. (which is also a good thing)....

As Adam pointed out... the price will be stupid. Way stupid.

It was a killer workout though... with the powerbags and the KB's I walked out just crazy blown out. It was interesting the workout that my friend taught... was all women except for myself. It's definitely a woman thing at gyms... funny that. Guys are all busy being tough and bicep curl monsters but the women are actually getting the harder workout methinks. :p

In reality you could easily make a freakin' TRX system yourself for far less with a simple bit of engineering mindset put to good use. It ain't rocket science. It's mostly an adjustable metal buckle that has teeth and some careful thinking about nylon webbing and bar-tack stitching. Not much too it. But... it's a beautifully clever marketing combo as well. Can't fault them there... everyone has to make a buck. Just not my buck. :p

If you have any specific questions about TRX ask away as I have access to them now all day every day.

[Fusen]

Thanks for the offer! I'm hopefully gonna get a chance to borrow one somepoint over the next month or so, so when i get a little experience Ill hit you up for the advice!

On that note, do you know of any good kettlebell resources (internet or dvd/book) you can recommend?

[slipthejab]

If you YouTube 'kettlebells' you will find a ton of stuff. Steve Cotter comes to mind... as does Steve Maxwell... and someone I found out about recently Vasily Ginko

Just missed a workshop that Steve Cotter did out here. Grrrrrrrrr.

There is also the guy from Crossfit who does KB's and can't think of his name. Good instructor... great sense of humor. Check Crossfit for the fella.

But yeah man there is a ton of stuff out there on the net for kettlebells. Though to be honest... it's best to find someone who knows the stuff. There are some things better passed on via an actual, hands on person.

And it's easier to stay motivated when training with them if you have someone else to drive you and and you drive them to crank out the extra set or time on the clock.

[Ad McG]

Mike Mahler? He's big on KBs, as well as maintaining an impressive physique on a vegan diet strangely enough.

[DCombatives]

Ok, I'm awfully late to this thread, but I just bought a TRX myself. I'm deployed to Haiti for the relief effort, and one of my guys had one. I used it a couple times and liked it so much I bought one for myself. Don't know how much use I'll get out of it once I get home, but I'm away often enough to make the investment worthwhile. Plus, I got it on ebay, so I saved a ton even if it was STILL ridiculously expensive. If you travel a lot it'll be worth your while. If not, then I'd look at something else.