TRX Product Review Follow Up

Adam Stoyanof - Bowling Green State University

We’ve had the TRX straps for almost two years now. There is a lot to be said for this product.  Among other things they allow you to implement, somewhat, non-invasive exercises into workouts.   One of the most useful protocols I’ve seen the product used for is pairing a TRX exercise with a more intense multi-jointed movement.  For example, it’s a great way to execute an upper-body pulling movement with barbell bench press.  The pairing may appropriately activate the opposing muscle group; hence getting more work accomplished in less amount of time, and not hinder bench press performance. 

The core exercises are efficient and highly productive when done correctly.  I’ve always been a fan of exercises that activate a greater amount of muscle fiber compared to the next exercise for the same muscle group. It may be the right way to progress to an exercise of the same nature. This tool definitely allows the coach to use the TRX straps in a progression with other exercises. For example, the TRX straps allow you to do a hip flexor pull-in exercise while in a push-up position.  The resistance (body weight through TRX strap) is connected at your feet and you’re holding yourself in a strict push-up position.  The movement is executed by pulling your knees into your elbows, pausing, and then extending back out to push-up position.  This has been used as a progression from a band pull-in exercise where you’re lying on the ground, a band is attached to your feet, and you’re pulling your knees to your chest.   Also, using the TRX strap for this movement is harder than using a physioball.  Assuming you can picture how the movement is done while being in a push-up position with your shins on the physioball.  A good picture of a hip-flexor exercise progression could go like this: band pull-in, physioball pull-in, TRX strap pull-in.  Obviously since one exercise is harder than the other, it isn’t appropriate for a large general population. 

One of the biggest criticisms that I have of this tool, is that it breaks easily.  If you have one now, I would expect it to eventually break. Five out of the six straps we have are broken.  It is not from abuse/misuse like dropping the straps against a hard wall after use either. They are still functional, but can’t be set at optimal heights above the ground for certain exercises.  There is a spring loaded mechanism that allows you to adjust the length of the straps.  For some exercises it’s completely appropriate to have the length of the straps longer than for others. For example, the product booklet suggests that if the range of motion for the exercise is long, the straps should be set longer.   This isn’t always the case. However, there will be times you’ll find this to be true.  If both adjustment mechanisms are broken, you can’t do it. 

If you have the money, and don’t mind using a tool with a shelf-life, it’s a good pick-up. While it may be gimmicky and somewhat commercial, it will certainly please the masses.