"Takes Bodyweight Training to a Whole New Level..."

"Hey Wood, I've got something you should know about..." That's what my old college strength coach Mike Gittleson said as I walked into Schembechler Hall one day. I learned a long time ago that when Mike says that, it's best to pay attention. He pointed me in the direction of the indoor practice field, which is just outside the weight room door.

Along one wall was something that sure wasn't there when I was a player - Mike had an new cross beam welded right into the side of the building...and on that cross beam hung about two dozen things that kind of looked like Gymnastic Rings - only different.

"Yeah, a buddy told me about these so I got one and liked it so much that now I have the whole team using them." Once I tried one myself, I knew why...

A Blast From The Past with an Eye Toward The Future

Gymnastic rings have been a favorite in physical culture for hundreds of years. If you have ever seen the gymnasts in the Olympics, you know why - they are some of the most powerful (and powerful looking) athletes in the Games.

Of course, even if you don't train with the rings like a gymnast they can be incredibly valuable for a number of strength-building exercises such as pull-ups and dips.

In fact, many of the old-time physical culturists such as Sig Klein, Milo Steinborn, and Professor Desbonnet made sure to have a set of rings in their classic gyms.

For years now, many people have been asking me when we would be carrying gymnastics rings. I never really gave it much thought until that day in Schembechler Hall...

Gymnastic Rings

Enter, The TRX Suspension System

"It's called the 'TRX'...and you should have one." - That's what Mike was saying but my mind was elsewhere; imagining the possibilities. Of course, I saw the similarities that the TRX had with Gymnastic Rings and knew instantly that this product was a winner...but there was something more that took this one to the next level...

A Closer Look at The TRX System

A. The TRX Suspension Anchor connects safely and securely to beams, weight racks, fences, and more (TRX Door Anchor Available Separately - The standard TRX DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DOOR ANCHOR).

B. The patented suspension design delivers a fusion of strength, balance, and core stability, transforming basic exercises into whole-body workouts.

C. The industrial nylon webbing (1500 lbs. supporting strength) provides strength, dependability, and durability as you train.

D. High-Grade Steel Cam Buckles adjust straps instantly for users of all sizes and will hold securely during use.

E. Institutional-Grade handles with built-in foot cradles enable hundreds of exercise variations.

** Workout DVD and training manual are included

Rugged and built to last, the TRX also weighs in at less than 2 lbs. and can fold up to be carried in a gym bag or suitcase - Never miss another workout!

Unmatched Abdominal and Core Training With The TRX

Here's a look (above) at one of the many different unusual abdominal training exercises that can be done with the TRX - and which cannot be done with any other piece of equipment. Others include the supine pull-through, suspended crunch, oblique leg raise and more, as outlined in the included quick-start guide and instructional DVD.

Something NEW in Bodyweight Training

As I mentioned earlier, the TRX system is a great alternative for gymnastic rings as it can be attached and suspended in midair.

The TRX combines variable-resistance bodyweight training, elements of instability, and multiple planes of movement to train the entire body.

It is effective for athletes of all sizes and abilities, and improves functional strength, core stability, balance, and flexibility. It targets every muscle group with functional compound movements. And perhaps most importantly, it allows you to train progressively - gradually increasing resistance for more challenging workouts as your own strength increases.

The REAL advantage to using it however, can be found in the ingenious detail added to the handles. You see, in each handle you will find an additional "foot loop" where you can suspend your lower body and perform an incredible array of unique abdominal and "core" strengthening movements that simply can't be done any other way.

The TRX Professional Suspension Training System is an extremely versatile piece of training equipment

A wide range of exercises can be performed in a minimum amount of space using the TRX Professional Suspension Training System

Developed by Navy SEALs

Developed by Navy SEALs

To understand the reasons for why this piece of equipment is so effective, you need look no further than the history of the TRX's development.

The basic idea for the system was first conceived by U.S. Navy SEAL team member Randy Hetrick, who sought to devise a reliable training system to keep himself and his fellow SEALs in peak condition while deployed for weeks at a time in remote locales.

For Hetrick, portability, versatility, and durability were not options - they were requirements.

Hetrick also realized a basic premise of bodyweight training, that the weight of the body itself could be used as a form of resistance to build superior levels of strength. Hauling weights around on board a ship, on a submarine, or in the field was simply not practical and Hetrick used the resistance weight that was available to him: his own body.

Over the years, Hetrick continued to improve the quality and design of his unique training tool and to expand the range of exercises for which it could be used. But he always maintained three basic principles as the core of his concept: functionality, durability, and versatility.

I am pleased to offer to you today the result of Randy Hetrick's many years of research and development: the TRX Professional Suspension Training System.

Who Else Uses The TRX System?

Bas Rutten

"Just from one session, the next day I had trouble laughing, my abs where on fire!"

-- Three time King of Pancrase and Undefeated UFC Heavyweight Champion Bas Rutten

Drew Brees

"When they told me it was invented by a Navy SEAL, I knew it would be cool - It's just your body weight working against gravity, so you won't get injured. Now my wife uses one at home, and I'm addicted"

-- NFL Quarterback Drew Brees

Jessi Stensland

"Core strength and stability have no off-season and its the key to maximizing your efficiency and power in your endurance sport.

The TRX system provides an effective, convenient, and endlessly functional tool to help you improve your strength, stability and flexibility anytime, anywhere."

-- Pro Triathlete Jessi Stensland

"The TRX's are doing great, the men like them and have deployed twice with them. They are doing what our CSM wanted, helping us maintain fitness in the field and giving us other options when home for PT. I told you before we broke a TRX with one of our Samoans.

SSG Toia is one of our Samoan NCOs and weighs in around 260 pounds. SSG Toia is probably one of the biggest men in our Army and he can bench press a house. Well, actually the door broke before the TRX. So you can proudly say that the TRX can stand up to Samoans. Doors are another thing!"

-- Gery "Brent" Cummings, Executive Officer
2/16 Infantry Bn Combat Team "Rangers"

"It was a lifesaver over seas where we didn't have anything but push-ups. I just hung the system from a tree. To me having the capability to work my shoulders and legs was key and I could get in a little cardio in as well if I cut down on rest periods between sets.

I dig the system and take it with me anytime I travel whether for work or on my own."

-- Navy SEAL Chief, SEAL TEAM 1, deployed

A Complete Full-Body Training System That Fits in your Gym Bag

We are proud to introduce a new era in bodyweight training -- Here's what you'll get when you order the TRX Professional Suspension Training System from Bodyweight Basics:

TRX Suspension Trainer Professional Model - a "basic" piece of equipment that's anything but basic

TRX Suspension Anchor - which allows you to attach the system to any secure overhead support such as squat racks, pull-up bars, beams, poles, or hooks in the wall

Fitness Guidebook and Instructional DVD - the guide details a dozen common exercises while the 25-minute instructional DVD shows you how to diversify your training routines

The TRX Professional Suspension Training System comes with everything you need to get your bodyweight training in full swing

As part of its commitment to durability, the TRX Professional Suspension Training System is made from only top quality materials.

If there is any question as to the quality of this piece of equipment, please keep in mind that:

The resistance cables are rated at a tensile strength of 1,500 lbs.

Composed of 1-1/2" military-grade nylon webbing

double-stitched with heavy-grade nylon thread

The grips are "Institution-grade" with integrated, neoprene-padded foot cradles.

And despite its strength, the whole setup weighs less than two pounds and packs to the size of a running shoe.

What's more, set up for the TRX Suspension Trainer couldn't be easier. It doesn't require specialized mounting equipment, and can be used anywhere you have a stable overhead support. Workouts can be carried out in a minimal amount of space.

If you're ready to add a new weapon to your training arsenal, you won't be disappointed with the TRX Professional Suspension Training System. You could get any of a hundred other tools out there, but none would be as versatile, durable, and downright effective as this one. And those, my friends, are the only true measures of quality in a piece of training equipment.

Train hard.
John Wood signature

John Wood