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Just hanging around

Tessa holloway finds out about the new trend of suspension training

Hanging out has never been such a workout.

The North Vancouver Recreation Commission is increasing their offerings of TRX suspension training classes this fall, a trendy but challenging workout technique that uses ropes and webbing suspended from the ceiling to tug at every muscle of the body.

Developed by Randy Hetrick, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, the technique turns the user's own body weight into an exercise tool. The 45minute once-a-week workout may not sound like a major commitment, but it packs a punch, says fitness centre supervisor Paula Coburn.

"It's sort of like boot camp with the TRX. It's very active classes; even the rest is active rest. You burn a ton of calories in that class. It's nly 45 minutes but it's go-go-go," she says, dding that in particular the system challenges he balance a great deal, which works smaller uscles that otherwise go untouched. With only eight people per class, it fills up quickly, but the personal attention is also one of the benefits of the program, says Coburn. It means a fitness instructor can help new participants learn the ropes without putting themselves at risk.

"It requires a bit of supervision to get good at and comfortable, you have those eyes watching to make sure you're in a good position with posture," she says. "I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner. They need to have some base of fitness and some core strength before doing it," she says.

Coburn recommends the program for people who are already in good shape and are looking for an intense, quick course that works out the whole body, but especially core strength. In particular, people who are hyper-mobile can over-extend their joints, while people who have recently had a baby may also not be suited.

The rec centres offer the equipment in the gym as well, and have been offering the class since the summer of 2010, but this year have expanded their offerings.

The class runs at Ron Andrews rec centre Monday mornings 6: 45 to 7: 30 am, Thursday afternoons 1: 15 to 2pm, with two Tuesday evening classes starting at either 6: 45 or 7: 45pm., with the first classes beginning Oct. 30.

If you're not ready yet, don't worry: the next session starts Jan. 9 and 10, with another one beginning Feb. 20 and 21.