TRX vs. Weights for Training Equipment

The following email asks about the TRX Suspension Trainer vs. free weights. Is one better than the other? It also addresses when to see a doctor!

MY ANSWERS ARE IN CAPS - STEW

I am interested in what your opinion is about using the TRX Suspension Training System, especially as an alternative or supplement to weight training with free weights.

I LOVE IT AND USE IT ALL THE TIME...

I have used it at the Navy Yard gym here in Washington DC, and I liked the feeling, but I'm not sure if it is giving me as good results as I achieve with free resistance weights. It emphasizes developing the core, especially the abdomen, which I understand your BUD/S training was obsessed with.

YES, IT FOCUSES ON CORE BUT ALSO MOVEMENTS THAT INVOLVE A FIRM CORE AND SHOULDER GIRDLE WHICH MEANS FUNCATIONAL TRAINING. THAT IS WHY IT WORKS. LIFTING MACHINE WEIGHTS IS AN ISOLATION EXERCISE - THAT IS GREAT FOR REHAB BUT NOT REAL LIFE. USING OLYMPIC LIFTS AND FULLBODY MOVEMENT LIFTS IS GOOD THOUGH AND I INCORPORATE THOSE ALL THE TIME IN MY WORKOUTS.

I also would like some input about my problem with developing splitting headaches up the back of my neck and head the day following bench pressing, flat and inclined, with barbells. Maybe I am arching my back too much, and putting too much pressure on my cervical spine? Any advice would be great, these are bad headaches, and last two days.

NOT SURE ON THAT ONE - YOU SHOULD SEE A DOCTOR ON THAT ONE. I COULD NOT BEGIN TO HELP YOU BY EMAIL.

Any advice on new supplements you might like this year?

I DO DRINK A RECOVERY DRINK AS I HAVE FOUND I DO NOT FULY RECOVER FROM HARD WORKOUTS LIKE I DID WHEN I WAS 20YRS OLD - I LIKE A FEW BY EAS AND STRENGTHPRO.COM.

Related Links:
- Slideshow: TRX Suspension Training
- Shop for the TRX Suspension Training System

Stew Smith CSCS
www.stewsmith.com

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com.

Comments

[#1 Posted by: farm machinery equipment]

Hi,
The Exercise Equipment Expert has a good review and video of the TRX Fitness Anywhere system and highly praised it for not only helping to give a good workout, but for its relative inexpensiveness as well.

[#2 Posted by: Brett]

Mr. Smith, which exercises do you do, personally with your TRX? Thanks.

[#3 Posted by: Stew Smith]

Sure - I do a ton of different ones. My favorites are the suspended abs like knee ups, alternating left / rights, pike pushups, plank poses, but also get into squats / single leg squats mixed with bicep curls, rows, high rows, reverse flies, chest press, tricep ext, low rows....many many more...

I really have counted over 70 that I do but the above are my favories...

Stew

[#4 Posted by: Seattle Personal Trainers]

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