Suspension training involves performing whole-body strength and stability exercises while suspended from sturdy, anchored cables.
It emerged in 2005 and became a true fitness trend by 2010, but some still believed it was a passing fitness fad, like toe shoes. Now, after a decade of increased popularity, TRX cables, the product leader, are a fixture of gyms everywhere.
How this happened so fast has to do with the sustained interest in functional fitness training, which arguably includes HIIT, CrossFit, adventure obstacle races and the renewed interest in bodyweight exercises like pull-ups. Functional training is popular in 2016 precisely because many no longer visit gyms to either "pump up" or "slim down," but to develop the overall fitness needed to maintain busy, active and sometimes hectic lifestyles. Suspension training is a perfect complement to any functional training program. Here are a few reasons why.
Suspension training is:
Versatile
Dozens of stretches and exercises can be performed with suspension cables. The most basic are push-ups and rows, but you can do single leg squats, dips, mountain climbers and more. Cable training can help improve strength, balance, co-ordination, stamina, and core stability - or all these at once - making it a very rounded workout.
Adaptable
With suspension cables, you control difficulty by changing how much weight is suspended. That makes it great for rehabbing injuries, by leaning just a little, or meeting serious challenges by leaning sharply or leaving the ground completely. If your main focus is strength, cable training can still be a great way to finish your muscles after a good workout.
Portable
Suspension cables are small and lightweight enough to pack easily in any small bag. Door frame attachments enable you to use a TRX pretty much anywhere, and you can even train outside by tossing the cable over a sturdy tree branch. This can be a great idea for a sunny day at the park or keeping fit on a tropical beach vacation.
Affordable
The highest-end suspension cables, made by TRX, can run up to almost $200, but that's still a great bargain when you consider it's a one-time fee and the cables are virtually indestructible. On a budget? There are many low-priced competitors out there and you can even build your own suspension training system using materials from a hardware store and online DIY instructions.
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. 604-420-7800 karpfitness.com.
