Get your 7-day FREE trial of my Lean Muscle Building Suspension Trainer Programs. Take the program quiz to start »

What Is a TRX Training Suspension System and Why Was It Invented?

Coach Adam Fitness Freedom AthletesI hope you enjoy this post. If you want my help to transform your body using a suspension trainer, click here to start.

Author: Coach Adam | Founder of Fitness Freedom Athletes

TRX training improves body strength and cardiovascular health without any traditional weigh-lifting.

It was invented by a former Navy SEAL and the system became incredibly popular all over the world, with every branch of the military and professional athletes using it for training.

Let’s take a look at the history of the TRX training suspension system and how it works.

Who Invented the TRX Training Suspension System?

Weight training with ropes goes back to ancient times, with the Romans and Chinese using it in gymnastics.

In the 19th century, rock climbers and military units developed various types of exercises with ropes to prepare for difficult expeditions and fight.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that the TRX training suspension system was invented.

Its inventor was Randy Hetrick, a history graduate from the University of Southern California and a former Navy SEAL.

The 7 skills to Build Muscle with a Suspension Trainer Handbook. Download it for free

Get Your FREE Copy Of My ‘7 Skills To Build Muscle With A Suspension Trainer Handbook!’

Downloaded 70,000+ times! Just tell me where to send it:

7 Skills Lead - Blog - NO OTO

Why Was the TRX Training Suspension System Invented?

In 1997, Hetrick was a Navy SEAL Squadron Commander and was looking for a method to help him and his colleagues maintain a great physical condition during demanding missions.

He created the first version of a suspension system using just parachute webbing and a jiu jitsu belt.

In 2001, Hetrick earned an MBA from Stanford University and developed the first version of the TRX Suspension Trainer, called the Travel X, which he initially sold out of the trunk of his car in San Francisco.

In 2006, TRX entered the international market, and in 2007, it was incorporated as a training program by the US Marine Corps.

By 2009, the system had more than one million users in over 60 countries.

How Does TRX Training Work?

Suspension trainer exercises with the TRX incorporate seven basic movements: pull, push, plank, rotate, hinge, squat, and lunge.

This type of training uses body weight and movement to make the body work hard while integrating strength, balance, and mobility in one movement.

You can train multiple muscle groups during each movement when exercising with a TRX.

Because your centre of gravity is out of balance at all times, you’ll have no choice than engage your core, shoulders, back and hips to make the movement steady.

Unlike in the case of regular exercises such as planks, squats, and push-ups, TRX training is more efficient because it engages other muscle groups to support your main move.

How is the TRX Training Suspension System used today?

The TRX system has made its way into the training gyms of professional sports, including the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, and National Football League.

It also became an essential exercise component for professional sportspeople in football, basketball, skiing, tennis, swimming, triathlon, and basically any other sport that you can think of.

Moreover, suspension exercise was introduced in dozens of athletic programs and schools in the US and around the world. Today, TRX is the basis for regular fitness exercise in gyms worldwide, too.

Coach Adam
Founder of Fitness Freedom Athletes

arrow

Take the fitness freedom quiz to find you TRX suspension training er workout program

Take The 60-second ‘Body Transform Quiz!

Discover the best Suspension Trainer or Resistance Band Program for your fitness goal and level…

About The Author

About The Author

Coach Adam, Body Transformation Coach

Founder of Fitness Freedom Athletes

Hello, my friend… It’s my mission to help you build lean muscle and transform your body using just a suspension trainer and simple nutrition optimisation…

I call it Fitness Freedom!

I spent 8+ years as a personal trainer hating the ego-driven gym culture. Every day I saw clients like you struggle to make sessions, feel intimidated by the environment, and regard the gym as a chore NOT enjoyment. Because of this, their results were limited. But they believed there was no other way.

So in 2016, I setup Fitness Freedom Athletes. To date, Fitness Freedom Athletes has helped over 8000+ transform their bodies (and lives!).

Start here to transform yours too!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

7 skills to build muscle with a suspension trainer handbook

Get Your FREE Copy Of My '7 Skills To Build Muscle With A Suspension Trainer Handbook!'

Downloaded 70,000+ times! Just tell me where to send it:

7 Skills Lead - Blog - NO OTO

Coach Adam aka TRX Traveller with fitness freedom athletes

About Coach Adam

Hello, my friend... It's my mission to help you build lean muscle and transform your body from home-with a suspension trainer, resistance band, and simple nutrition optimisation...

I call it Fitness Freedom!

I spent 8+ years as a personal trainer hating the ego-driven gym culture. Every day I saw clients like you struggle to make sessions, feel intimidated by the environment, and regard the gym as a chore NOT enjoyment. Because of this, their results were limited. But they believed there was no other way.

So in 2016, I setup Fitness Freedom Athletes. To date, Fitness Freedom Athletes have helped over 8000+ transform their bodies (and lives!).

Start here to transform yours too!

The 7 skills to TRX better handbook

Get Your FREE Copy Of The '7 Skills To Build Lean Muscle With A Suspension Trainer Handbook!'

Downloaded 70,000+ times! Just tell me where to send it...

7 Skills Lead - Website Blue section - NO OTO

FAQs

Hide
I'm new to Suspension Training, where shall I start?

First up, welcome! Out of all the millions of websites out there thank you for visiting this one. Secondly, your interest and motivation will change your life. It did for me and thousands of fitness freedom athletes in our community of all ages. If you have a suspension trainer (like a TRX)...

The best place to start would be with the Beginner Suspension Trainer Total Body Transformation Program. It’s the most popular Program and will teach you the effective muscle-centric technique to transform your body and begin your life-changing journey.

If you’re seeking a resistance band Program, get stuck into the Band Muscle Pump Program which is for beginners/intermediates to learn the band muscle-centric technique and transform their body with just one resistance band.

What makes this different from other suspension training Programs?

Maybe you’ve tried suspension training before and it didn’t work, so you wonder how is this different?

Here’s the truth: You didn’t fail. The technique failed you.

Richard is 50 years old. He’d tried everything for his knee mobility problems. When he started my program, he told me: “I was skeptical because I’d tried suspension trainers before with no results.”

But here’s what changed everything… Richard learned Muscle-Centric Technique instead of the mindless “movement-centric” stuff he’d been doing from YouTube videos.

The difference – Instead of multiple muscles sharing the load (which creates zero growth stimulus), he learned to isolate individual muscles.

The result? In his own words: “I have dropped 12 lbs and gained 90% of my mobility back. The strength I have gained has helped significantly.”

Yes, you may have tried suspension training before. But you’ve never tried my suspension training technique. The one that actually builds lean muscle and transforms bodies.

  • What you tried before: Movement-centric technique (multiple muscles sharing load)
  •  What these Programs teach: Muscle-centric technique (isolated muscle overload)
  • Why it matters: Only isolated muscles get the stimulus needed for real growth

The reframe: Your previous “failure” actually proves you need the RIGHT technique, not the RIGHT equipment.

Do you have any training courses or Workout Programs?

Yes absolutely, I have The Fitness Freedom Suspension Trainer & Resistance Band Programs for all levels and fitness goals. They will teach you the effective 'Muscle-Centric Technique' that will transform your body! And cover everything from nutrition to mindset and performance execution.

PLUS, once you become a Fitness Freedom Athlete, you'll get access to a tun of member only resources and bonuses within the Fitness Freedom Athletes platform.

I got you covered for every challenge and every goal.

What if I'm too out of shape?

Plot twist: Being out of shape is your biggest advantage.

Joe said it perfectly: “Outstanding program. It is perfectly paced for true beginners who are looking for a way to start getting fit with a program that pushes you, but doesn’t ask too much too soon.”

The Programs have two phases specifically designed for this:

Phase 1 (4 weeks): Technique mastery and building your foundation Phase 2 (4 weeks): Transformation and strength building

Matt started overweight and out of shape. Result? “Lost 40+Lbs, getting lean, and showing great definition!”

Ben, another beginner, said: “I’ve been delighted with the Program…. thoughtful and well-rounded!”

  • Beginner advantage #1: No bad habits to unlearn
  • Beginner advantage #2: Fastest initial gains
  • Beginner advantage #3: Most dramatic visible changes

The reframe: Starting “out of shape” means you’ll see the most dramatic transformation.

There are so many 'scammers' online, how can I trust you?

I guess at first, you shouldn’t. Trust is built and earned over time. Check out my reviews and success stories so you can get a better understanding of what I am about and who I help.

Or stalk me on social so you can see that this is my passion and mission in life:

Insta

YouTube

Facebook

Reddit

Where are you based?

I am mainly based in London, UK. But I love travelling, specifically backpacking our beautiful world and experiencing other cultures... So most likely I may be based on the side of a mountain or little beach hut. Perhaps I’ll even meet you in person at some point… That would be just awesome!

Adam Atkinson TRX Traveller Fitness Freedom AthletesAdam Atkinson TRX Traveller Fitness Freedom Athletes

FREE ADVICE! Yep, I'm Serious...

Use this contact form to send me a message and tell me what's going on with you and your health and fitness goal. After reviewing your message, I'll personally write you back with some helpful advice and suggestions. I respond within 24-hours Monday – Friday.

Ask Me Anything