A Beginner’s Guide to TRX, Circuit and Barre

If you’ve ever been curious about some of the equipment that you’re not using, this blog will shed some light on new ways to work out and help you avoid common mistakes.

Mixing up your workout is important to prevent over-use injuries and alleviate boredom. When you challenge your body, you work harder to adjust to the new exercise and burn more calories. You may even meet a new workout partner and get excited about exercising again.

You don’t need to be an expert to try any of the activities below. Patrons of any ability will benefit. Grab a weight room attendant or join a free orientation session to learn the basics of the equipment.

TRX Suspension Training

TRX is short for total-body resistance exercise, a fitness tool using straps, gravity, and your own bodyweight to target various muscle groups. While it may look a little intimidating, TRX training can be highly beneficial for strength training, balance and stability and exercises can be adjusted for all abilities.

Any age or fitness level can participate in TRX. You modify your body position to make the workout easier or harder. Depending on the exercise, you place your hands or feet onto the straps and lean in or out to create resistance and build strength.

TRX is also a great tool for those with limited mobility. Over time, TRX can help improve joint mobility, balance, and even prevent injuries like falling by strengthening large muscle groups.

Common mistakes:

• Not getting a proper orientation.
• Not engaging your core. You need to keep in proper alignment to get the most out of each exercise.
• Stopping a routine when it gets too hard vs. modifying the movement.

Watch this video to learn more.

Circuit Training

Circuit training is a full body workout that is time efficient and improves muscular endurance. Some circuit training programs use different machines, while some use all-in-one training stations. Units vary by facility, but all-in-one stations feature a variety of equipment including TRX, battle ropes, and kettlebells.

Circuit training can be performed on your own or with a small class. Classes focus on functional strength training, meaning that it prepares your muscles for common day-to-day movements. You can do many different types of exercises once you have the know how.

Common mistakes:

• Not warming up properly.
• Too much rest between exercises. Go at a steady pace to increase heart rate.

See what a circuit class using the Synrgy 360 unit offers in this video.

Barre Class

Barre uses a combination of ballet, Pilates, strength, and flexibility training for a total-body, low impact workout that focuses on major muscle groups to improve core strength. While Barre is considered a low impact workout, it can get your heart rate up with multiple repetitions of exercises. As with any class, movements can be adjusted for ability.

The main equipment is the ballet barre, but you may also use a yoga mat, bands or free weights during the class.

You don’t need to have any previous dance training to attend Barre class. It’s easy to follow along at your own pace. Proper form, body alignment and posture is stressed, which in turn leads to an overall strengthening of core stability muscles and over time can give the appearance of an aligned, lean body. 

Common mistakes:

• Using momentum to move muscles vs. small, controlled movements.
• Not engaging your core to protect your back.
• Holding your breath. Breathing helps control the movement and fuels your muscles.

Never tried a Barre class? Watch the video to see if it’s a good fit for you.

No matter which exercises you choose to achieve your fitness goals, getting a safe and balanced workout is important to keep you in top form. If you still have questions about these classes or need more information, drop by any fitness facility in the city and our certified staff will help you.