One of my all time favourite pieces of kit to use in my PT studio and group fitness classes, is the TRX. I love it when clients walk in, spot the yellow-and-black straps hanging from the ceiling, and ask me, what are they for? The TRX suspension trainer looks incredibly simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to train your whole body, get more confident and add a ton of variety into your workouts.

TRX stands for Total Resistance Exercises. It’s a form of suspension training that uses two adjustable straps anchored to a sturdy point. Instead of lifting weights, you use your own bodyweight as resistance. It’s simple, smart and super effective.

You can:

  • Pull yourself up
  • Lower yourself down
  • Squat
  • Lunge
  • Press
  • Plank

What’s even better is you control the intensity by adjusting your body angle.

Lean back more = harder.
Stand more upright = easier.

Why Is It So Effective?

TRX doesn’t just work one muscle at a time. As the straps move around, your body has to stabilise constantly. That means your core is always switched on, even when you’re doing upper or lower body exercises. I love it because instead of isolating muscles, it trains your body to work as a ‘functional’ unit — the way it’s designed to.

What Are The Actual Benefits of TRX Training?

1. It Builds Real, Functional Strength

TRX movements mimic natural patterns we do multiple times a day such as pushing, pulling, squatting, and rotating. This means you’re not just getting “gym strong”, you’re actually getting stronger for everyday life — carrying shopping, lifting kids, improving posture, moving with confidence and reducing injury. Everyone wants this kind of strength, especially as we get older.

2. Your Core Gets Stronger

Almost every TRX exercise engages your core automatically, your abs, obliques, and deep stabilising muscles are working throughout your entire workout. No need for endless crunches (which aren’t the best anyway for a whole host of reasons).

A stronger core = better posture, balance, and reduced back discomfort.

3. It’s Low Impact and Joint-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages I think for using the TRX is that it’s gentle on your joints. It makes strength training accessible for everyone because you’re using your own bodyweight and controlled movement, there’s less stress on knees, hips, and shoulders compared to heavy lifting. That makes it great for;

  • Beginners
  • People returning after injury (with guidance)
  • Anyone wanting strength without heavy load

4. It Works for Every Fitness Level, From Beginner to Athlete.

This is where TRX really shines for me. You don’t need to ‘get fit first’. Whether you’re brand new to exercise or already experienced, the difficulty adjusts instantly. Just change your angle or position and the exercise becomes easier or harder.

The same straps, a completely different challenge.

5. It Improves Balance and Stability

Because the straps are unstable, your body has to constantly adjust. This is such a great advantage for using this kit as over time, it improves:

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Joint stability
  • Body awareness

This is especially important as we age — stability reduces injury risk and builds confidence in movement. I have noticed so many midlife clients really improve all of these markers through regular TRX training.

6. It Can Help With Fat Loss, Conditioning and Cardio Workouts.

TRX isn’t just about strength. Because many exercises use multiple muscle groups at once, and your heart rate climbs quickly. That means you can:

  • Burn calories
  • Improve endurance
  • Increase overall fitness

All in one session!!!

What Does a TRX Workout Feel Like?

My clients and class members say it’s challenging — but in a good way. You’ll feel muscles working that you didn’t realise were there. It’s not about throwing heavy weight around. It’s about control, tension, and smart movement. Most people are also really surprised at how tough bodyweight training can be when it’s done properly.

Is TRX Worth Trying?

If you want to:

  • Get stronger
  • Improve your core
  • Protect your joints
  • Train efficiently
  • Feel more confident in your body

Then yes — TRX is absolutely worth trying. It’s simple, adaptable, and incredibly effective. Sometimes the best training tools aren’t the most complicated ones. TRX proves that all you really need is your body, gravity, and the right guidance to see results. It might just become your new favourite way to train!

For more info on Personal training drop me a line here Contact. For more info and booking for Group TRX classes at Wellspring, Eastwell, Leics LE14 4EF, checkout www.wellspringhub.co.uk

Love Ginny

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