This is Your Quick Training Tip, a chance to learn how to work smarter in just a few moments so you can get right to your workout.
Walk into almost any elite training facility, and you’ll notice something that you typically don’t see in big box gyms: a thick forest of nylon straps dangling from iron bars like jungle vines. The setup will either be placed against a wall or smack-dab in the center of everything, but it’s always there, because top trainers know a secret that many people don’t: suspension training can help to get you ripped, fast.
Over the last 20 years, suspension training has become almost synonymous with TRX, which pioneered its modern use, but it has been around in one form or another since at least the 1800s (when an earlier version of the practice was referred to as “rope training”). But regardless of whether you’re using hemp cordage or nylon webbing, the idea is the same: By elevating your movement off of solid ground, you introduce an element of instability that makes almost any exercise more challenging.
Take the pushup, for example. Whether your hands are on the floor or gripping suspension handles, you’ll work your pecs and triceps. But without the benefit of terra firma, controlling your movement becomes harder, causing stabilizing muscles throughout your body to kick into gear to help you get the job done.
The more muscles you work, the more muscle you build. It’s that simple.
Your move: Invest in a suspension trainer. TRX is the gold standard, but if the idea of shelling out more than 100 bucks makes you skittish, you can pick up a quality system for less than 50 on Amazon, and you’ll be glad you did.
Not only will you expand your exercise arsenal and upgrade your training, but you’ll gain a piece of equipment that offers a distinct advantage over dumbbells and kettlebells: portability. With a suspension trainer, you’ll always be able to take your workouts on the road.
Not sure where to start? Try these suspension training exercises to get fighting fit.
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