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NEWS | July 18, 2012

TRX suspension training comes to Langley

By Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Physical fitness is a key component to any Service member's lifestyle; it is paramount to mission success and an integral part to the core values of all branches.

The Shelbank Fitness Center at Langley Air Force Base, Va., strives to provide a full schedule of programs to keep Service members, retirees and their dependents active and interested in maintaining their fitness. On July 11, the fitness center held a Total Resistance Exercise instructor certification course, to increase the diversity of programs available to athletes.

TRX is a suspension-training workout, which uses body weight and functional-movement exercises for a high-intensity, full-body and cardio workout. The program uses the three principles of vector resistance, stability training, and pendulum effect to increase strength, flexibility and balance.

The introduction of this course is part of the Langley fitness program's effort to diversify the options available to Service members.

"The program generated from Service-member interest," said John Hickok, Shelbank Fitness Center fitness director. "The increasing demand led us to set of this course to meet the needs of interested patrons."

The fitness center hopes to increase the number of offered classes in the morning and evening to accommodate the schedules of anyone interested in participating.

While most programs are invented by civilians, TRX was developed by members of the U.S. Navy S.E.A.L.s, and has incorporated feedback from active-duty Service members worldwide. The exercises implement movements common in a day-to-day work environment.

"Lifting weights can only do so much for your body. With the bench press for example, it's rare that you have to lift something off of your body from a lying-down position," said Mike Skaggs, the course instructor. "This program strengthens your body in the natural way it moves."

Due to the fact TRX is made up of exercises that reinforce the core and joints, it strengthens the body as a whole. The fitness center will also provide TRX kits available to check out for anyone interested in the program, but unable attend the classes regularly.

The 8-hour course taught personnel from the base gyms and Health and Wellness Center to instruct their own classes. The curriculum included every exercise and leadership techniques. The class was split into two groups who took turns instructing and doing the multiple exercises

TRX began as general interest of the program from the avid gym-goers. The program is currently taught at the fitness center twice a week, but with a newly-certified group of instructors, the center hopes to increase that number.
Since the program is geared toward a military lifestyle, it could be beneficial in a deployed setting.

"Courses like TRX can greatly help Service members in the long run," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Bell, Shelbank fitness specialist and newly-certified TRX instructor. "It's a great feeling to teach something that can potentially save a fellow warrior's life."