BODYWEIGHT BASICS - Bodyweight Training - Functional Fitness Without Weights

One topic that we have had a lot of questions about is the weight vest and should it be used in your training. My official answer to that is: it depends -- it depends on what your goals are and it depends on who you are in regards to your training. For some folks who need the extra challenge a weight vest is a great addition. You can put it on to add weight to rope climbing, chins, dips -- whatever you do with a vest on you know its going to be more intense. if you fit in this category I would caution you to work into it slowly, the vest will change your center of gravity and it may be quite a shock for many exercises. However, for many people the added weight may not be necessary as "normal" bodyweight movements provide more than enough of a challenge - as does simply "sticking with it." I've got a weight vest that my uncle gave me a few years back. I tried it for a few exercises and didnt like it but, like I said, if you're a total bodyweight maniac, it's probably going to be a good investment. Train hard, John Wood P.S. If you can climb a Peg Board with a weight vest on you must be half-gorilla.

Labels: Chins, Dips, Peg Board, Rope Climbing, Weight Vest

We've been getting a lot of questions abut the TRX suspension System so I thought I would take this opportunity to go over some of them... And away we go:

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Bill from Washington writes:

"Can I do dips, pullups and all the other exercises that someone could normally do with gymnastic rings with the TRX?"

Answer:

Hi Bill, yes, you can do all the exercises with the TRX that you can do with gymnastic rings which includes chins, dips and the like. However, if you have ever tried to go chins and dips on gymnastic rings, you know its a whole new animal than the steel parallel bars you might find at the park so the ability and the necessity of having to do those exercises is not going to be as great for most people.

Now, so far we have found over 500 different exercises that can be done with the TRX and many of the best ones are outlined in the booklet and training DVD that comes with it.

The great part is that every single one of these exercises can be adjusted to your individual skill level so you dont have to be a champion gymnast to be able to get very strong using it.

I personally find the suspended abdominal work to be the real strength of the TRX unit.

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Carlos from Ohio writes:

I live in a condo and dont really have any pipes or beams in my basement - Can I still use the TRX effectively without a place to hang it?

Answer:

Carlos, one of the most important features of the TRX is how portable it is so you can take it anywhere and get a great workout.

All you need is a stable, secure attachment point which will hold your bodyweight and youre in business. This could be a fence post, a piece of playground equipment, -- even your car, if need be. It won't take much to find a suitable place and complete attachment instructions are included.

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Jeff from Vermont writes:

John, So I just got my TRX in the mail and I have to say it is everything you said it would be. I just got in my first full workout and my abs are toast.

Answer:

Thanks Jeff, I couldn't agree more. Just make sure you do a light workout tomorrow or you'll be twice as sore. That's a tip you don't want to pass up.
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As you can see, the TRX is pretty phenomenal on all levels. You'll know for yourself just as soon as you try one:

The TRX Suspension Training System

Train hard,
John Wood

Labels: Bodyweight Training, Dips, Pullups, TRX System