Brian Schiff’s Blog

If you read my blog, then you know I contribute a column for PFP Magazine.  I have been doing a series for them on TRX training as of late.  My most recent column included an incredibly challenging exercise incorporating a plank and push-up.

Time is precious for many of us in the gym, so I am always looking for the best return on my time with each and every exercise I choose.  While this one is not for the novice or inexperienced TRX user, I assure you it will be one you will love to hate!  Scroll down to check out the column and see how many you can crank out before you fatigue.

Click here to read how to correctly perform the exercise, use a progressive build up series and understand the functional application.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Finally, I want to wish all my American readers a Happy 4th of July!

I hope you enjoyed part one in this series.  Part two looks at a frontal and transverse suspended reach.  This is a great way to train the body to better resist shear forces that are encountered in sport.

To read more about this progression and see the rotational component, click here.  This exercise is a great way to improve hip strength and improve de-rotational capacity, thereby reducing injury risk with planting, cutting and pivoting.

Throughout my speaking and training, I advocate single leg strengthening.  Additionally, I try to incorporate balance and stability training progressions that target common muscle imbalances and reduce injury risk.

It is common knowledge that the hip can often affect the knee.  Likewise, the foot and ankle complex can also impact the knee.  Single leg training often exposes and corrects limb deficiencies and simulataneously improves function and performance.

I have been producing a TRX functionally fit mini-series for PFP magazine.  The first two editions focus on single leg suspension reaching progressions.  I thought I would share those with you as there may be portions you can apply to your own training or to others.

I use these progressions with runners, court and field athletes, and general clients alike.  They work the entire kinetic chain and emphasize anti-gravity control in multiple planes.  These progressions can be part of an advanced rehab regimen or fitness program.  Below is a picture of the phase one sagittal plane reach:

To see the entire progression (part 1), check out my column by clicking on the image below. 

So, do you own a TRX? I honestly think it may be one of the best fitness training pieces around for the money. It is versatile, travels well and builds strength, stamina, balance and stability.

I use the TRX to train clients of all ages and abilities from my elite swimmer to the middle age woman with knee arthritis.  Some of the biggest objections to getting in shape I hear are:

• No time
• Hate the crowded gym scene
• No money for personal training

So, my solution is to buy a TRX.  In this short video, I outline a continuous sequence of 7 exercises.  They are not intense, but they can be made more challenging by altering the body vector (moving your body in relation to the attachment point) and adding more time and sets within the circuit all with very little rest.  The sequence of exercises in the video are:

1. Single Leg Squats
2. Rows
3. Push-ups
4. Biceps Curls
5. Triceps Press
6. Saw Plank
7. Hamstring Bridges

I demo 5 reps of each exercise in the video to show you how to do it, but in reality you crank through each exercise for at least 30 seconds.  Using the TRX over the door anchor you can do this workout at home or on the road (and far more advanced exercises as well) in less than 20 minutes and see results.

So, say goodbye to all the objections and get yourself a TRX and door anchor if you don’t have one yet.  I am 100% confident you will love the workouts and add a new dimension to your fitness routine. 

From now until March 11, all my readers can save 15% on the TRX door anchor by visiting my OpenSky shop and using the promo code ANCHOR15.  Click here to visit my shop.  In addition to this discount, you are eligible to receive 10% off any of the spring promo items at OpenSky.   

To see the entire collection of items in the Spring promotion click here.