Simple TRX Workouts for beginners

The TRX workouts can give you that fab body you’re looking for

Who said you need dumbbells, treadmills, bar bells and cross trainers to train well and get that killer body you’ve been working for? You’d better guess again. With TRX workouts, all you need to get the figure you’ve always wanted is a set of TRX straps, the force of gravity and your very own determination.

But what are TRX workouts, anyway and what’s so special about them? Invented by an ex-SEAL in the US Navy, these are core strengthening exercises designed to make you fitter, stronger and build inner resistance and balance. Each exercise is creatively formulated and allows you to use the TRX straps (made of elastic sweat free material that can be strapped onto any strong surface) in exciting and effective ways, challenging your body at every step.

A portion of your body remains suspended above the ground and this makes you engage your back, mid-section and core muscles in ways you never thought possible. Are you ready to add some fun to your boring stretches-cardio-weights routine? Let’s get started. First things first, grab a set of TRX straps. These are pretty much indispensable for the coming exercises. Once you’ve gotten these, it’s time to get started.

• The TRX Push Up: As simple as it sounds, it requires some determination to carry put the first few times. It involves doing a normal push-up, with a twist – your toes are hooked through the TRX straps so that the tops of your toes face the floor. Pressing your palms to the floor, do a regular push up, keeping core muscles tight. Your chest and shoulders will work their hardest in this exercise and you can feel the good that you’re doing them.

• The TRX Low Row: This exercise targets the back, abs, shoulders and biceps, but is simple to do. Suspend the TRX straps and grab the handles. Lena your body back until the weight is on your heels, arms extend out in front of you and you stretch diagonally. Squeeze shoulder blades together, bend your elbows and pull torso up towards your hands. Lower yourself after five counts. Repeat.

• The TRX Triceps Press: Kneel on the ground facing the anchoring straps and grab them with an underhand grip. Stretch out your arms, holding them shoulder wide apart. Bend elbows and lower your upper body to the floor. Make sure you align your hands with your ears. Return to the starting position and repeat. Do remember to do some basic muscle stretches in the beginning to avoid spraining your arms.
• The TRX Fly: A liberating and exciting exercise, this one works on your chest and arms. Face away from the anchor straps with your feet shoulder width apart. Grab the handles with an overhand grip and extend the arms to shoulder length in front of you. Lean forward, making your body a diagonal. Now, with immense concentration, spread your arms out in the shape of a T, keeping your elbows bent, as you lower your chest to the ground. Reverse the movement slowly and return to start.
• The TRX Power Pull: This killer exercise kills four birds with one stone, working on your upper back, abs, shoulders and obliques, all in one go. Stand tall facing the anchor with a wide stance and grab the strap with your left hand, holding it at chest height. Extend right arm so that it’s in line with the TRX straps. Lean back and extend your left arm, rotating your torso to the right to reach your right arm out and slightly behind you. Reverse the movement step by step and return to the starting pose.
• The TRX Lunge: We’ve all done regular lunges at the gym. The TRX ones add a twist and make your legs and abs look better than ever before. Face away from the TRX straps, place your left foot in the straps and plant your right foot firmly on the ground. Lower down into a lunge, extending the left leg behind you. Make sure not to lose your balance and bend your knee. Return to the starting position. Repeat five times with alternate feet secured.
• The TRX Squat: An essential workout move for building the perfect lower body, the TRX squat is an easy beginner’s exercise. Hold the TRX handles in front of your waist, elbows bent to the sides, lower down into a squat, extending both your arms ahead of you at eye level. Push yourself back to the starting position.
• The TRX Hamstring Curl: This one works on all the typical problem areas: your thighs, glutes and hips. Lie face up with your arms extended on both sides and lift your hips off the ground, keeping your core solid. Secure your heels in the TRX straps and heels towards your hips in a smooth, controlled arc. Return to starting position. Remember not to kick or jerk while this exercise is in progress.