Gotta Try It: Bailey's TRX

Thursday, 24 March 2011 21:10

What are celebrities like Mary J. Blige, Ellen Pompeo and Jennifer Lopez using to stay so fit? Their new secret is a piece of exercise equipment developed by a Navy Seal, the TRX Suspension Trainer. I decided to test the new class, now offered at Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym, to find out what athletes and stars alike are raving about.

By Jolie Shapiro; photos by Trenton Saunders

When I walk into Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym, I am ready for a challenge. It’s a crisp, beautiful Saturday morning, and from what I’ve heard, the workout is intense, to say the least. Developed by former Navy Seal and Fitness Anywhere CEO Randy Hetrick, the TRX equipment weighs only two pounds, but lends itself to 300 different exercises. At first, I found it hard to believe that such a small device could do so much for your body. Soon, my doubts would be disproved.

I enter the TRX room, filled with the straps, and am instantly intimidated. I’ve never seen or heard of most of the devices. The class is at an intermediate level, but participants include everyone from body-builders to average Joes. I learn that Bailey’s is the first area health club to offer the class in a group setting, which ideally motivates class members.

At 9am, the class begins. I am in between a girl my age (20) who has attended the class a few times, and a woman in her 40s who looks like she eats, sleeps and breathes exercise. They both can tell I am new by the helpless look on my face, so they kindly offer assistance.

At first it doesn’t seem too bad. We are instructed to adjust the straps shoulder-width apart, then with heavy alternative music blaring in the background, we perform three sets of 30 seconds of jumping jacks, then double and single arm rows (similar to an inclined pull-up). After the rows, we hold onto the straps and slid onto the floor to do a type of sit-up, bringing our legs into our chest and back out again.

Next are legs. I place one of my legs behind me into the strap using it as a foot hole. I feel like a flamingo. We are to do three sets of single leg squats and then immediately do 30 seconds of burpees. Burpees start in push-up position and then require you to bring your feet to a squat position, then stand and jump up, and repeat. This is all with one foot strapped into the TRX strap. And then we have to alternate legs.

About halfway through the class, we start working our core. Sean tells us to face each other. We place both feet into the straps behind us and get into plank position, holding our bodies up for 20 seconds three times with a quick rest in between each set. I think, “If this is all I have to do, I am set.” It’s only the warm up. By the end, my entire body is shaking.

After a quick water break (thank God) we jump, do high knees, and a few more exercises. A woman who is new sneaks out of class. I am not going to follow her. I only have 10 minutes left, and I’m going out strong.

The class is finally over. I thank the instructor and admit to my neighbor that I feel pretty good. It’s amazing that I could accomplish something that people in the Navy use to train. Although my butt was definitely kicked, I now know why TRX is used by celebrities, athletes, the military and ordinary exercisers: because it works.

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