It’s TRX Tuesday!

Posted on May 22, 2012 Written by 5 Comments

Time for another butt-kicking TRX workout this  morning! Last week we incorporated some “cardio” into the workout. My calves were still feeling the jumping moves two days later! I am a little apprehensive of what’s on the menu today…

So I mentioned in my last post that the training plan for next month almost made me spit out my coffee when I opened it last week. Apparently my coach thinks I am back in full effect because he had no mercy when putting this plan together. Here are two of the workouts if you don’t believe me: 12 mile long w/6 x 60 sec surges @ 7:40 pace w/5 min easy between starting at mile 7; 2 mile warm up, 4 x 5 mins @ 7:25 to 7:35 pace w/4min easy jog rest between each, 2 mile cool down. Eek!

At least I know, my aerobic capacity is going to be right back up there after next month! On a less anxiety-inducing note, I was so excited to find FRESH strawberries when I hit up my local Whole Foods yesterday. The farmer’s market has started (there is always one from 4-7pm on Monday’s at the University Heights store), and I bought the last pint of organic strawberries. NOTHING beats fresh local strawberries, and the fact that they are organic makes it that much sweeter (pun intended). The boys and I finished off the pint in about two minutes!

Filed Under: Cross Training, Nutrition, Training Tagged: ,

TRX Recap

Posted on April 27, 2012 Written by 7 Comments

I had my first TRX class Tuesday morning, and it gave me a solid butt kicking! I definitely felt sore yesterday—a very good kind of sore. The set up for the class is actually pretty neat. There were seven of us (maximum for this class), and each of us had our own set of adjustable straps that were mounted via bracket to the beams on the ceiling.

Our instructor gave us a brief background on TRX and why it was created. He then informed us that there would be no music in the class (kind of a bummer since I am always ready for a good soundtrack to a group class!) and that we would do two cycles of each exercise.

The progression for the class was arms, legs, and then abs (repeated twice). After the second cycle,we were all feeling the pain! I am kind of masochistic—I love that feeling of complete fatigue that comes from a great workout. TRX for the win!

I like the fact that throughout all of the TRX exercises, there is a focus on engaging the core (similar to Pilates). The core is really important in running, even though many of us tend to neglect strengthening it! Part of the reason I decided to sign up for this paid class is because I know I am financially vested in attending. I WILL be at each and every class. I am sure that my core will thank me at the end of the session. Winking smile

In addition to doing the TRX class on Tuesday, I am going to attend a Pilates class Thursday mornings. I talked to my coach yesterday about getting back into training—he really wants me to get a core workout in about three times a week. I figure if I get in two classes and then one workout on my own, I will be in good shape.

Speaking of training, our plan is to have me back up to about 20-25 mpw by the end of May. I am going to aim for a few “rust buster” races in July to check my fitness, and then I should be right on track for the Zooma Cape Cod Half Marathon!

Filed Under: Cross Training Tagged: ,

Trying TRX

Posted on April 20, 2012 Written by 5 Comments

I am very excited for my first TRX class next Tuesday. My local YMCA just started offering a TRX class that runs for 8 weeks (45 minute sessions), and I can’t wait to give it a go.

I confess when I signed up for the class (along with a friend) that I didn’t know ANYTHING about TRX. If you are like me, you need a little primer on this type of exercise program. I’ll give you a hint: it was invented by a former Navy SEAL (yikes!).

TRX utilizes a suspension trainer that is a:

highly portable performance training tool that leverages gravity and the user’s bodyweight to enable hundreds of exercises that can be instantly scaled for any user to reach any fitness or training goal.

When you see it set up for a group class, it kind of looks like a giant swing set minus the swings.

I had heard that TRX was great for strengthening the core—something I am constantly working on to stay injury-free and improve my running form. All of the movements in TRX are whole body movements—allowing you to work arms, legs, neck, abs, etc. all at the same time. This means allows you to get more bang for your buck in the 45 minute time period.

I am a little uncertain of what to expect, but excited at the same time to try a different type of strength and conditioning.

Have you ever done TRX before?

Filed Under: Cross Training Tagged: ,