The term suspension training refers to an approach to
strength training
Strength training or resistance training involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve strength and endurance. It is often associated with the lifting of weights. It can also incorporate a variety of training te ...
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 a form of
resistance training that includes
bodyweight exercise
Bodyweight exercises (also called bodyweight workouts) are strength training exercises that use an individual's own weight to provide resistance against gravity. Bodyweight exercises can enhance a range of biomotor abilities including strengt ...
s in which a variety of multi-planar, compound exercise movements can be performed. These are done with the aim of developing strength, balance, flexibility, and joint stability simultaneously.
Suspension training develops physical strength while using functional movements and dynamic positions. The actual term "suspension training" is a trademark of Fitness Anywhere.
History
Rope training has been around as early as the 1800s.
Randy Hetrick, a former
Navy Seal
The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Among the SEALs' main functions are conducting s ...
and
Stanford
Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. The campus occupies , among the largest in the United States, and enrolls over 17,000 students. Stanford is consider ...
MBA graduate, developed the Total Resistance eXercise (TRX) equipment and the associated Suspension Training bodyweight exercises in the 1990s, and started marketing it in 2005. Kurt Dasbach, a former professional soccer player in Chile, discovered an ancient Andean conditioning system that utilized ropes while playing in South America and developed a rival product, Inkaflexx, around the same time. Inkaflexx has since closed shop, but TRX continues as a $60 million per year business.
In 2008, ex
Bristol City F.C. fitness coaching team Mark Hammond and Pete Faulkner developed the FKPro two-strap system. In 2009 Fabio Martella MMA coaching wrote the first TRX technical manual in Italy. Another alternative is the aeroSling ELITE made in Germany. This "Suspended Pulley Trainer" also contains a pulley system.
The Hook Isometrics/Suspension Trainer by Sierra Exercise Equipment enables the user to use it for either suspension training or isometrics training. Evolution has continued with TRX and other companies improving designs to minimize risk.
Benefits and criticism
Proponents of suspension training argue that it develops core body strength, as well as joint and muscular stability, reducing the chance of injury.
They get a lift from their workouts
- ''Boston Globe''. Retrieved on 2009-06-08 Some sports scientists have expressed concern that weaker individuals may not have the core stability or joint integrity to use the system safely and effectively.
See also
* TRX System
The TRX System, also known as Total Resistance Exercises, refers to a specialized form of suspension training that utilizes equipment developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick. TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exe ...
References
{{reflist , refs=
[
{{cite news
, url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/fashion/01Fitness.html
, work=The New York Times
, title=Suspension Training: How Risky Is It?
, first=Nick
, last=Burns
, date=2007-02-01
, accessdate=2015-05-24
]
[
{{cite news
, url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/jun/05/healthandwellbeing.health3
, title=Does it work? - Suspension Training
, date=5 June 2007
, author=Peta Bee
, newspaper=]The Guardian
''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper
A newspaper is a periodical publication containing written information about current events and is often typed in black ink with a white or gray background.
Newspapers can cover a wide ...
Strength training