TRX vs Rings: Which Suspension Training tool is right for you
Suspension training has become a wildly popular option for training these days. Some gyms offer full classes and programs based on the merits of suspension training alone.
Why you should be doing Suspension Training?
Suspension Training (or ST) of any kind has been shown to yield tremendous benefits to neuromuscular coordination, muscle activation, while creating a stronger core and low back through the use of full body movements. Whether you use a TRX Suspension Trainer or a set of suspension rings, the experts agree, it works.
Body weight movements are considered to be ‘closed chain’ exercises. Simply put, closed chain exercises are where the body is moved through space, while open chain exercises demand that a foreign object is moved through space. Think of the difference between a pushup (closed chain) and a bench press (open chain).
Closed chain exercises are more beneficial for learning body control and increasing the amount of muscular activation during exercise. The downside is that often they are not hard enough to stimulate progressive progress. Someone who can do 150 pushups in a row doesn’t necessarily have a 300lb bench press and vice versa. Adding the ST can enable you to push past normal limitations in bodyweight programs and continue to progress regardless of ability.
Anyone will tell you how this type of training being beneficial for your core. While this often sounds nebulous and flashy, it is 100% true. The core consists of the muscles from below your chest to the base of your pelvis. While a strong core is associated with 6 pack abs, that’s not the only benefit. A strong core will bulletproof your low back and keep you pain free.
Additionally, having a strong core allows more power transfer through your body during athletic maneuvers, like jumping, throwing, and sprinting.
So now that you know why you should be using ST, let’s take a look at two of the most popular options: the TRX vs Suspension Rings. Which is right for you?
Rings
TRX
Conclusion
If you want to supplement your current maximum strength training program, rings are for you. If you are a patient person and are willing to train the same moves for a long period of time in order to get the massive payoff that comes from learning L-Sits, Muscle Ups, Front and Back Lever, Planches, and the Iron cross, rings are an invaluable tool. Remember, learning those moves is like learning to play the piano at a high level. It takes time and practice and is not a 30-day fix.
If you’re looking for a single piece of equipment that you can use as a full gym, if you’re traveling and need to save on space, or if you’re looking for a lot of variation in your workouts, want to do more than upper body, and are interested in bulletproofing your core, the TRX is right choice. If your main goal is fat loss or athletic ability, the TRX offers the biggest payoffs with intuitive training, unlimited circuit combinations, and exercises that fit every ability level.