TRX vs. Weight Training: Which Strength Training Method is Right for You?
When you think of strength training, your mind might immediately go to traditional weightlifting, but there's a wide world of strength-building exercises out there. One alternative is TRX Suspension Training, which offers unique benefits and could even provide better results depending on your fitness goals.
In this post, we’re comparing TRX Suspension Training to weight training. We’ll cover the advantages of each, their pros and cons, and even touch on pricing—so you can decide which method is right for you.
Firstly, what is TRX Suspension Training?
TRX Suspension Training uses your body weight as resistance. By adjusting your body position relative to the TRX’s anchor point, you can easily modify the intensity of each exercise. Developed by former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, TRX was designed to keep his team in peak condition while on deployment.
One of the standout features of TRX training is that it offers hundreds of exercise variations, targeting all major muscle groups. What makes TRX unique is that it forces your muscles to spend more time under tension, leading to muscle overload and, ultimately, muscle mass and strength gains.
The Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training, whether through weights or suspension, offers numerous health benefits. Here are just a few:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved body composition
- Higher bone density
- Injury prevention as you age
- Enhanced balance and joint mobility
- Boosted energy and endurance
- Increased self-confidence
The energy boost you get from strength training can improve your day-to-day activities, helping you power through life without feeling worn out.
TRX vs. Weight Training: Key Difference
Muscle Engagement - One of the biggest differences between TRX and weight training lies in the muscle groups engaged. TRX exercises force your core to stabilize your body, making every move a full-body effort. You’ll find yourself engaging multiple muscles at once, which is great for building functional strength.
Weight training, on the other hand, allows for more isolated movements. Want to target a specific muscle group? You can focus on individual muscles using dumbbells, barbells, or machines. This isolation can help you fine-tune your physique by highlighting specific muscles.
Core Strength - TRX shines when it comes to building core strength. Every TRX exercise involves the core, whether your hands are in the handles or your feet are in the cradles. This constant engagement helps build a strong, stable core.
With weight training, core engagement depends on the exercise. Certain moves, like kettlebell swings or weighted ab exercises, focus heavily on the core. However, most weight training exercises don’t emphasize the core as much as TRX.
Adding Extra Weight - Weight training gives you the advantage of easily increasing resistance by adding more weight. Want to push your muscles to their limit? Just grab a heavier dumbbell or stack more plates on the barbell.
TRX uses body weight for resistance, so adding extra weight isn’t as simple. You can increase intensity by changing your body angle, or wear a weighted vest to add resistance. However, TRX is designed for body-weight resistance rather than external weight.
Pricing & Affordability- If you're setting up a home gym, cost is an important factor. Traditional weight training often requires buying multiple sizes of kettlebells, dumbbells, or weight plates. Depending on where you buy them (and potential shipping costs), this can add up quickly.
In comparison, TRX Suspension Training is more affordable. You’ll only need the TRX straps and a sturdy anchor point, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget.
Suspension Training or Weight Training: Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best strength training method depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, portable option that challenges your core, TRX Suspension Training might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you want to focus on isolating specific muscles and increasing your personal record (PR), traditional weight training is the way to go.
But why choose just one? By incorporating both TRX and weight training into your routine, you’ll create a well-rounded workout that hits all the right muscles, improves stability, and strengthens your core.
The Bottom Line
Whether you opt for TRX Suspension Training, traditional weight training, or a combination of both, the important thing is to find a routine that keeps you motivated and on track to meet your goals. Strength training is a journey, and every small improvement brings you closer to a stronger, healthier you.
So, are you ready to take your strength training to the next level? At Blue Fitness, we stock a variety of TRX products, ready to ship or collect so you can start your strength training!
Check them out here.
