The TRX System, also known as Total Resistance Exercises, refers to a specialized form of
suspension training
The term suspension training refers to an approach to strength training that uses a system of ropes and webbing called a "suspension trainer" to allow users to work against their own body weight.
Description
The field of suspension training is ...
that utilizes equipment developed by former
U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick.
TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. It requires the use of the TRX Suspension Trainer, a performance training tool that leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to complete the exercises.
TRX's designers claim that it draws on research from the military, pro sports, and academic institutions along with experience gathered from the TRX designers themselves.
History
In 2001, after 14 years as a SEAL Hetrick left the Navy and attended
Stanford University
Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University, is a Private university, private research university in Stanford, California, United States. It was founded in 1885 by railroad magnate Leland Stanford (the eighth ...
where he earned his MBA. Hetrick first established his TRX system at the Krav Maga Fitness Club in San Francisco with
US$
The United States dollar (Currency symbol, symbol: Dollar sign, $; ISO 4217, currency code: USD) is the official currency of the United States and International use of the U.S. dollar, several other countries. The Coinage Act of 1792 introdu ...
350,000 from private investors who he met through connections via Stanford and the military.
On June 8, 2022, TRX filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code ( Title 11 of the United States Code) permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Such reorganization, known as Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is available to every business, w ...
, blaming declining sales after the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
from increased competition from other fitness brands. The company listed itself for sale and would seek a buyer during the bankruptcy procedure. TRX continued to operate and sell its products normally during the bankruptcy procedure. On August 29, 2022, TRX was acquired by founder and former CEO Randy Hetrick out of bankruptcy.
Alleged benefits and criticism
Supporters of TRX Training claim that it can improve mobility and stability, increase metabolic results, build lean muscle, and develop functional strength.
However, some analysts worry that the instability of suspension straps could possibly result in injury, especially for those with a history of joint or back injuries, or inadequate core strength.
Fabio Comana, a research scientist at the nonprofit
American Council on Exercise, states that suspension training may work for well-conditioned athletes and gym-goers who regularly train their core, however, it is potentially dangerous for those who haven’t built up their core.
References
External links
How I Built This - TRX: Randy Hetrick
{{DEFAULTSORT:TRX System
Weight training equipment
Exercise equipment companies
Exercise equipment
Exercise-related trademarks
Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022