I was in the gym last week setting up the TRX straps for part of my workout and someone came up to ask me if I could show them how to use it. That got me thinking there are probably a lot of people with the same question. So here it is: TRX is a brand of suspension training products developed by a Navy SEAL Commander to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health. But don’t worry, just because the developer was a Navy SEAL, doesn’t mean you have to be in that kind of shape to use it!

If you have access to TRX straps in your gym, I highly recommend integrating them into your workouts. Here’s how:

First, you’ll have to adjust the straps. If you are working on pulling exercises, you’ll want the straps a little higher off the ground. If you’re working on pushing exercises, you’ll want the straps lower down. If you’re working in the plank position, try to get the loops as low to the floor as possible.

TRX Push-Ups: Begin in starting position, lower down to end position and raise back up like you are doing a push-up. The lower the handles are to the floor, the more difficult this exercise becomes. A word of caution: the straps have a tendency to rub on your arms throughout this exercise, which can make it a little uncomfortable.

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TRX Pike-Ups: Start in plank position with both feet in the TRX loops. Keep your legs straight and bring your toes to your nose. Lower yourself back to plank position. This is a great exercise to work those abs!

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TRX Pulls: Start in reverse push-up position (shown below). Pull up evenly with both arms, keeping your back straight throughout the motion. Lower yourself back down in a controlled manner (not too fast!). The lower the handles, the more difficult this exercise becomes.

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I like to do 3 sets of 10 reps each exercise, alternating between the three to eliminate rest breaks. I hope this helps you feel more confident that you can try out the TRX straps next time you are in the gym!

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of this exercise series!