When it comes to fitness, it’s always something new. I remember my mom in the 80’s heading out to her evening Jane Fonda-like aerobics and step classes. That’s when step was all the rage and women loved their leotards and legwarmers. Fast-forward to the new millenium, and we’ve seen things like BOSU ball classes, Zumba and Insanity, plus the advent of high-end workout gear like Lululemon…see ya, Reebok.

The newest kid on the block is TRX. TRX has actually been around for the past few years but is just now migrating to the Midwest and has gained substantial popularity within the past year or so. We’ve had TRX at Excel for two years now, and I love incorporating it into my clients' workouts.

So what’s the hype, does it work, and what in the world does TRX stand for?

First, let’s define TRX. TRX stands for Total Body Resistance Exercise. It can test your body's limits by forcing you to use body weight to perform exercises and to engage your entire body all while incorporating lots of balance--and sweat. Consider this scenario: You're doing a pushup, but your feet are elevated in TRX straps rather than resting on the floor. So your whole body weight is on your upper body, and your core is even more engaged.

TRX is used to improve your total body strength, range of motion and even flexibility. It is also my favorite workout to do! It was developed by a Navy Seal who was stuck in a safehouse while on a mission and couldn’t get a workout in. He developed his first prototype, which was actually a system of pulleys and straps out of a parachute, and never looked back. Now you can find TRX classes in almost any gym, being used by trainers or as a great piece of at home equipment. Even pro athletes use TRX in their training when they travel.

Can you get a total body workout using TRX?

Of course you can--these two nylon straps are no joke! Whether its doing pushups, rows, bicep curls, hamstring curls or even a side oblique twist, you can test your strength to the max. So you might be asking, how do I find a TRX and how do I learn to use it? I definitely recommend doing your research and making sure the gym you go to or trainer you seek out actually has a TRX certification and the correct TRX equipment…not a knock-off version. There are many facilities offering TRX as a course and many trainers incorporate aspects of TRX training into their client and small-group training sessions. TRX gives you a fun new twist on your normal workout. TRX is a tool that is here to stay…not a fad we’ll forget about in a few years.

Bryan Morris is a certified personal trainer at Excel Wellness Studio. He is part of a team of fitness experts who provide health, fitness and wellness tips exclusively for Good Health KC.