Total body TRX circuit

Hi! What are you up to this morning? Hope you’re enjoying the day so far!

Thank you so much for your eclectic music suggestions to diversify my spin playlist. I added this swing song, this old one I forgot about, and finished it off with the Zac Brown Band live version of “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” It was so fun to change things up a bit, and I think class enjoyed it, too.

Today, I’m excited to share a new workout featuring one of my very favorite tools: the TRX. It’s extremely versatile and travels well. I’ll often see people working out with them near the bay, simple strapped over a sturdy tree branch. The TRX is a great investment if you want to add in a strength component to your home gym and don’t want to purchase multiple weights. While it is bodyweight only, there are a lot of options to make it more challenging. I’ve been utilizing the TRX is my training sessions and personal workouts more frequently over the past couple of years; I’ve become a huge fan. 

GinaHighRes 1

Here’s a circuit I put together for ya. It’s meant to be completed 2-3 times total with little to no rest in between each exercise. Complete all of the reps for one exercise before moving to the next. Please let me know if you give it a whirl!

Trx circuit workout

Trx total body circuit

Form cues/tips:

1) Single arm squat (optional row): step away from your anchor point and extend your arms completely. Lean back slightly, and place your weight into your heels. Lift your chest and tighten your core. Now, drop one handle of the TRX and sink down into a squat. As you rise, you have the option to “row” the handle in towards your torso to work your back (this portion of the movement is not pictured).

2) Reverse biceps curl: instead of an underhand grip, overhand grip the handles. Step away from the anchor point (facing it), and fully extend your arms as you lean back slightly. Contract your biceps to bring your arms to a 90 degree angle biceps curl. Remember to keep your hips in line with your torso.

3) Triceps extension: for this one, you’ll set it up almost exactly as your reverse biceps curl (as far as stance and hand position go). Now, bend your elbows to bring them in towards your torso. Extend your arms (squeezing your triceps) as you push your body into a full upright position. Carefully lower back down to repeat.

4) Single lunge: place one foot into the strap and walk (or hop) forward. As you sink down into your lunge, keep your chest lifted, shoulders dropped and a tight core. You may notice that your knee shoots forward as you try to maintain balance, but be careful to avoid extending your front knee past your front toes as you lunge.

5) Push-ups: come onto the floor and place one foot at a time into the TRX straps. Make your way into a plank position, as keep a straight spine (hips down) as you bend your elbows out into a pushup. If this is too much, try it with one foot in the strap for a while until you get the hang of it. 

6) Hamstring curl: start supine (on your back) and place both feet into the straps. Ground into your shoulders and squeeze your glutes to lift your hips off the floor. Bend your knees in, then extend back out. That is one rep.

7) Plank with knee to elbow: start in a plank position with both feet in the straps and hands stacked under your shoulders. Press down through your knuckles to ground your hands into the floor. Contract your oblique and exhale as you bent one knee to bring it towards the elbow on the same side. Come back to plank, and repeat on the other side.

*As always, check with a doc before making any fitness changes. Honor your body and modify as needed. 

If you could only have ONE fitness tool to use, what would it be? Please let me know if you have any video requests for this week, too. 

Hope you have a great day! See ya later this afternoon with spring capsule wardrobe fashion-y fun. 

xoxo

Gina

All photos by Danny Chan 

More TRX: 

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58 Comments

  1. Taca @ A Side Of Dessert on February 24, 2015 at 4:09 am

    Thanks for sharing! This is definitely a fitness tool I’ve been going back and forth one whether I should buy for my home gym. I feel like it would make a huge difference and I would get my money’s worth during the long winter months.

  2. Ashley on February 24, 2015 at 4:17 am

    They just added this to our gym and have wanted to use it but wasn’t sure how. I can’t wait to try this! Hopefully I won’t embarrass myself!!

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:25 am

      let me know how it goes! i was intimidated at first, too

  3. Crystal on February 24, 2015 at 4:35 am

    Damn girl, look at those muscles! When my friends tell me that strength training will bulk them up, I’ll send them a link to your blog, because you look great!

    Looks like a fun workout, I don’t think my gym has TRX, but maybe I’ll put in a request! I’m sure other people would want to try it too.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:25 am

      blushing over here. thanks, girl!
      great idea to put in a request; i’m sure others will want to try it, too

  4. Betsy on February 24, 2015 at 5:04 am

    I’d love to try TRX, it looks like a great workout. I really enjoy watching all of your videos but I’d love to see more kettlebell strength training routines.

  5. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! on February 24, 2015 at 5:07 am

    This makes me want to try TRX training so bad! I’ve never done it but it looks like a great challenge!

  6. Amanda @ Slimplify Life on February 24, 2015 at 5:14 am

    A treadmill! …Does that count?!?! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:24 am

      totally!

  7. Nichola on February 24, 2015 at 5:29 am

    Hi,

    I’m so glad i came across your website and this workout. Trx has always been a piece of equipment in the gym that I have wanted to try out and include in my routines. Just to jazz them up a bit to do something different and keep my routines exciting but I have never known what to do.

    I will definitely be trying this out in the gym.

    Thanks for posting this work out

    Nichola

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:24 am

      thank you so much, nichola! let me know if you give it a try 🙂

  8. Linda @ The Fitty on February 24, 2015 at 5:38 am

    Hey Gina, do you find that your day is more productive when you start it off with a hardcore workout?

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:24 am

      no, but i feel happier 🙂

      • Linda @ The Fitty on February 24, 2015 at 6:01 pm

        Happier the more hardcore the workout, or just happier if you do anything active in general?

        • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 8:54 pm

          just happier to be up and moving!

  9. Jill @ Champagne for Everyday on February 24, 2015 at 5:54 am

    I love the TRX! Thanks for sharing these moves. I have seen You Tube videos where people hook them up to the doors in their houses…I really want to give that a shot but I am scared they will fly off! My Mon-Fri gym doesn’t have them 🙁

    Jill
    Latest Post: Does Non-toxic Nailpolish Actually Last? I Tested 3 Brands!

  10. Elaine on February 24, 2015 at 6:13 am

    This looks awesome (and hard)! Thanks!

  11. Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift on February 24, 2015 at 6:14 am

    These photos are stunning!

    Just did some TRX circuits yesterday morning…might have to give this a go today! I love the suspension training feels like such a change from traditional weights or bodyweight training – definitely a good change of pace. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:24 am

      thank you- danny is amazing!
      let me know if you give it a try! i agree; it’s such a nice way to change it up

  12. Nikki @ will run for pizza on February 24, 2015 at 6:20 am

    I love my TRX straps! It’s brought strength workouts to a whole new level for me. I like taking classes here & there too, so I can learn new moves…

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:22 am

      i totally agree. it changed how i strength train!

  13. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on February 24, 2015 at 6:32 am

    My gym it rid of their TRX straps. Makes me sad cuz I was just getting into using them. Maybe I’ll buy my own. If I could have one thing, it would be a set of dumbbells.

  14. Cassie @ Findley Fit on February 24, 2015 at 6:59 am

    This workout looks great! My current gym doesn’t have TRX straps, but I am hoping they will soon! Cant wait to give it a try.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:22 am

      let me know if you do! hopefully they’ll get them soon!

  15. Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life on February 24, 2015 at 7:05 am

    I used to love doing TRX when I worked in the gym! I miss it…and I want Danny Chan to come take pictures for me 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:22 am

      haha! i’m sure he would love to shoot for you! he takes awesome pics 🙂 miss you, friend!

  16. Allison on February 24, 2015 at 7:26 am

    Thanks for posting! I just moved and my new gym has a room dedicated to TRX training. The gym doesn’t offer a “TRX” class, so I am always looking for ways to use the TRX.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:21 am

      awesome! 🙂

  17. Stacy @ SweatingTulipz on February 24, 2015 at 8:05 am

    This looks great. I have never tried TRX and want to give it a shot as soon as I have the opportunity!

  18. Catherine on February 24, 2015 at 8:11 am

    Thanks so much for this post; it is really so timely for me! I recently had a chance to take a TRX class and I loved it! I actually wrote a review of it on my blog (http://jackedbanana.com/2015/02/11/class-review-trx/) in case anyone is interested. When I belonged to a gym I had always wanted to try the contraption but had always been intimidated. I would love to get a TRX for home but I am not sure my doorframes are sturdy enough. For now I will continue with the class and will be trying this circuit, too, as I have a one-month trial at a gym with a TRX. I read your other 2 TRX posts just now so now I think I know what I am doing on my own :).
    I would love a video or tips about the Bosu if possible. I bought it thinking it would help me SUP…not that I have ever done that but I want to try! I could use some ideas on what to do with it…besides standing on it with an oar and paddling in my living room, of course ;).

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:21 am

      sure i could definitely post some ideas! sup is surprisingly easy. i think you would really love it

  19. Cara's Healthy Cravings on February 24, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Awesome photos! I love the push-up shot.
    I am not a TRX’er, but it look like a very effective piece of equipment.
    I can imagine that hamstring curl being quite tricky and a great move to target some many different muscles.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:20 am

      thank you! danny is awesome 🙂
      and yes, it’s a great way to change things up!

  20. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on February 24, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I LOVE the way I feel after a TRX resistance workout like this. Good one, Gina! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

      me tooooo. thanks, friend!

  21. Anita on February 24, 2015 at 9:07 am

    You look SO strong! So inspiring.

    I’ve been considering adding TRX straps to our home gym, and this is definitely further encouragement!

    Always, Anita

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:18 am

      thank you, anita! it’s a great tool to have!

  22. Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run on February 24, 2015 at 9:40 am

    you’re rockin’ that lulu outfit!

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:18 am

      thanks girl!

  23. Elle on February 24, 2015 at 11:00 am

    I think if I could only have one fitness tool, it would probably be a pair of 10 or 12 pound dumbbells. (If the DVD player/computer doesn’t count, because that is also a necessary tool)

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:18 am

      dumbbells are so versatile! and totally agree about dvds

  24. Ashley J on February 24, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Soooo, I’ve really only been doing assisted push ups lately (easing back into a fitness routine and trying to rebuild strength). This looks like it’d be even harder than a “regular” push up. Is that true? Is there a modification to make it any easier?

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 11:17 am

      yep! i think i included it in the form cues above. keep one knee on the floor and just put one foot in the strap. tilt your hips forward and do your pushup this way. you’ll just have one leg suspended so you can get the feel of it, but the support of having a knee on the floor

      • Ashley on February 26, 2015 at 6:16 am

        Thanks!!! I ended up doing this workout at the gym yesterday! I almost never see people at the TRX equipment unless they’re with a personal trainer coaching them, so I felt like a bit of a badass to be doing it all on my own (with my phone and this post pulled up by my side, lol). Great workout and so sore today!!!

  25. Kate @ www.socalrunnergal.com on February 24, 2015 at 11:25 am

    Ahh I needed this! I’ve been eyeing the TRX at my gym and thinking I need to use it more and this is SUPER helpful. I’ll just take you to the gym with me in my pocket! Love that about technology. 🙂

  26. Kat on February 24, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I love using the TRX and I’ve been wanting to add some new moves in. Thanks for sharing this! I can’t wait to try it out!

  27. Lauren on February 24, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Great post! I love how you broke down each exercise, and pictures are always very helpful! It definitely looks like a great workout. Thanks for sharing!

  28. Jodi-Kay Edwards on February 24, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I am in love with resistance bands, definitely one workout tool I can’t live without!
    http://lifestylefinesse.com/

  29. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on February 24, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    I’ve never tried TRX but I would like to ASAP!

  30. Les @ The Balanced Berry on February 24, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    I LOVE the TRX! I am chronically stiff and tight, and incorporating the TRX into my routine has done wonders for my mobility. In terms of favorite equipment – I’m a huge kettlebell fan too!

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 4:25 pm

      yes, it is fantastic for mobility! love kettlebells too 🙂

  31. Quinn on February 24, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    Gave this a whirl tonight at the gym! I can already tell I’m going to have trouble lifting my arms tomorrow, I’m going to be a t-rex all day 🙂

    I couldn’t quite do the last move, is there a modified move? I don’t have much upper body strength (yet), so I did two each round and my arms were done.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2015 at 8:52 pm

      so happy you liked it!! haha loved the tex rex comment too 🙂
      try doing it in a regular plank position. once you get the hang of that, try to progress to the trx version. if the regular plank version is too much, no worries, just modify your plank by bringing your knees to the ground and booty down

  32. Kathryn on February 25, 2015 at 2:18 am

    Great article, iv been looking for different way to use the TRX all morning. Going to give this circuit a whirl tomorrow. I read this article earlier – http://goo.gl/l7am9n and they talked about the Jumping squat which sounds intense!!

  33. Kris on February 25, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I just started doing TRX at the local yoga studio and wasn’t sure about it after the first class but enjoyed it more the the 2nd time. Amazing what a workout it is! At some point I may purchase one for home but until then I’ll continue to support the local yoga studio. Small town so I want to support the local businesses.

  34. Sophia on February 26, 2015 at 2:48 am

    I couldn’t live without a stability ball. Is that lame? Haha. I’ve only done TRX a couple of times- thanks for sharing this circuit.

  35. Marisa on March 17, 2015 at 5:41 am

    Hi. I came across this workout yesterday, and did it last night. Loved it. I made some changes for the 2nd and 3rd time around, progressing to power pulls and single-arm rows for the first exercise, and then oblique crunches for the last. I LOVE the tricep extension exercise! Thanks for a good circuit – I’ll definitely do this one again.

  36. Annette on March 1, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Hi Gina, thanks for this post! I have been doing most of these workouts already at the gym, I wanted to know if these were safe to do while pregnant also. I’ve done some obliques with TRX as well as mountain climbers, single leg squat and Bulgarians (with assistance for balancing) which is basically a reverse single leg lunge. I’ve been debating which gym strength training exercises are good during pregnancy (obvs nothing lying on my back since i’m into my second trimester) but I find it difficult to find ab and chest exercises that I could do. I figured TRX would be the easiest since it’s body weight. Did you do TRX while pregnant?

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