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TRX Trainers and Resistance bands are two of the most popular exercises for people looking to improve their strength and fitness. Which is better? TRX or Resistance Band?
That’s what we’re going to cover in this article: TRX vs. Resistance Bands. We will discuss ten differences between these two types of resistance training equipment and who they may be best suited for, so keep reading.
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What’s the difference between TRX vs. Resistance band?
TRX trainers use your body weight as resistance, while Resistance bands provide tension through the resistance band itself.
The TRX system is more versatile and can be used for a wider variety of exercises, while Resistance bands are better for targeting specific muscles.
TRX also requires more coordination and balance than Resistance bands. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in a workout.
TRX suspension trainers offer a more comprehensive and challenging workout, while Resistance bands are better if you’re looking to target specific muscles specifically.
What is TRX Suspension Training?
TRX training is a workout that uses the human body weight as resistance to build strength and improve general fitness.
It can be done anywhere, with no equipment or fancy gym memberships needed, so it’s also incredibly convenient for busy people who want to get in shape but don’t have much time on their hands.
TRX stands for Total Resistance eXercise, and the workout was created by a former Navy Seal, Randy Hetrick.
The beauty of TRX suspension training is that it can be adapted to any fitness level.
Beginners can start with more straightforward exercises and progress to more difficult ones as they get stronger, while experienced exercisers can challenge themselves with stricter moves for advanced results.
What is Resistance Band Training?
Resistance band training is a type of strength training that uses elastic bands to provide resistance.
It’s a great way to add variety to your workout, and it can be used for both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Resistance band training is also a low-impact activity, making it a good choice if you’re recovering from an injury or have a problem with your joints.
There are many different exercises you can do with resistance bands. You can use them to work your arms, legs, and core, and you can also use them to target specific areas for more focused training.
Resistance band exercises are easy and convenient, so they’re a great choice if you don’t have much time or money to invest in your workout routine. Resistance bands take up very little space and can be stored anywhere without taking up too much room.
TRX training vs. Resistance band
Both TRX and Resistance bands offer a great way to work with resistance and body weight, but some key differences exist. Let’s take a look at them right now.
| Title | TRX Suspension Trainer | Resistance Band |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Range and variability | Consistent resistance |
| Anchor point | Available | Not Available |
| Versatility | Far better | Limited |
| Portability | Highly portable | Highly portable |
| Cost | Moderate Pricy | Cheap |
| Building core strength | More effective | Average |
| Building specific muscles | Limited | Best choice |
| Injury & Safety | Lesser chance | Can be risky for senior citizens |
| Training programs | Available | Not available |
| Quality | Very high | Moderate (depending on the brand) |
Resistance and Body Weight
With TRX training, you use your body weight as the resistance. This is great because you can adjust where the tension comes from, allowing for different positions and types of exercises.
Resistance bands, on the other hand, create resistance through tension. This tension is always constant, so you can’t adjust the amount of resistance you can get with TRX.
However, because they come in a range of different resistances, it’s easier to find one that matches your needs.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re looking for in your workout. If you want more range and variability, go with TRX. If you want a more consistent resistance, go with Resistance bands.
Anchor Point
TRX comes with inbuilt anchor points that you can use to create different exercises and resistance levels.
Additionally, the TRX is more secure than a resistance band because of these anchor points. This means you’re less likely to lose your balance or stability during a TRX workout.
Resistance bands don’t offer this feature, so you’ll need to find an anchor point for each band, which can be difficult if there isn’t anything sturdy nearby.
However, once you have found a suitable anchor point, resistance bands are excellent for providing a wide range of exercises and resistance levels.
So, which one is Winner? It’s really up to you. Anchor points are a benefit of TRX over resistance band training, but if you don’t mind spending a little extra time looking for the right anchor points, then Resistance bands are an excellent choice.
Versatility
TRX suspension training is incredibly versatile. As we’ve already mentioned, it can be adapted to any fitness level, and you can also target specific areas for more focused training.
Additionally, TRX offers a lot of different exercises that can be tailored to your own needs. You can work your lower body, upper body, and core.
Resistance bands are less versatile because they can only provide tension in one direction. Whereas, unlike suspension training, resistance bands are great for targeting smaller muscle groups that you might not be able to target with a TRX suspension trainer.
Overall, TRX is a more versatile option for fitness enthusiasts of all levels, and it can help you achieve a range of different goals.
Portability
With TRX equipment, mobility may be a problem., as the straps need to be anchored to a sturdy object. However, you can take your TRX training anywhere with a bit of creativity.
On the other hand, resistance bands are much more portable and can easily be packed in a bag or suitcase. They also take up very little space so that you can use them at home or when traveling.
So, which is the better option? In my opinion, it depends on your needs and what you are looking for in a workout.
If you want a versatile and challenging workout that can be done anywhere, then TRX is the best choice.
However, resistance bands are a good option if you prefer something more portable and straightforward.
Cost Comparison
The TRX suspension training systems are more expensive than other options for cost, the equipment can be pretty pricey, and you also need to purchase a membership to access TRX workouts.
While a resistance band can be purchased for a significantly lower cost, the initial investment in a TRX system may be worth it in the long run, as high-quality trainers tend to last longer than cheaper brands.
Overall, I’d choose The TRX training for its increased intensity, but resistance bands are a more affordable option that can still provide good results.
Building core strength
TRX is very effective in developing a stronger core because the system’s instability forces you to use your core muscles to maintain balance and stability.
Moreover, this makes the exercises much more effective than traditional resistance band training.
When using TRX, you can adjust the difficulty of each exercise by changing your body position. For example, if you want to make an exercise harder, you can move closer to the anchor point and vice versa.
The resistance band training is also effective in developing your core strength, but it does not provide as much of a challenge to your muscles as TRX equipment does. It requires only minimal stabilization from you during exercises such as rows or squats.
However, this makes them less challenging than TRX workouts, where even smaller stabilizing muscles are used.
Overall, TRX training is more effective in developing a stronger core than resistance band workouts. The system’s instability forces you to use your core muscles to maintain balance and stability, making the exercises much more challenging.
Building specific muscle groups
When targeting specific muscles with the TRX system, isolating and training particular muscle groups is more complicated.
Here’s a list of TRX exercises that you can try.
- Ab Curl
- Pike
- Plank
- Body Saw
- Supermans
- Renegade Rows
- Mountain Climbers
- Side Crunch
- Pendulum
- Side Plank
- Step Back Lunge (leg exercise)
With a band, on the other hand, it’s much easier to target and work specific muscles due to the increased resistance.
For example, when using a resistance band for bicep curls, you can focus on isolating that muscle group and working them hard.
Here are a few resistance band exercises for you to try.
- High Standing Crunch
- High Downward Oblique Swing
- Middle Pall of Press
- Middle 180 Twists
- Low Upward Oblique Swing
- Low Deadbug Dual Knee ins
- Banded push-ups
- Banded pull-ups
Which one is better? Well, if you want to specifically target and work different muscle groups, then using a band would be the better option.
Injury & Safety
With TRX training, you rely on your body weight for resistance, so there is a greater risk of injury if you are not correctly using your body weight.
However, if you are using the correct form and doing the exercises correctly, TRX is one of the safest training methods.
On the other hand, resistance bands are less likely to cause injury. Suppose you are using the correct form and doing the exercises correctly. In that case, Resistance band injuries are more likely to occur when they snap or break while being used for certain types of training due to their delicate nature.
The best way to avoid injury with Resistance bands is by adequately stretching before and after use.
Overall, both TRX training and Resistance band training have their benefits and risks when it comes to injury prevention and safety. It is essential to be aware of these before starting any exercise program.
It is also essential to consult a doctor if you have any preexisting injuries. Speak to a personal trainer or fitness specialist to find the best workout routine for you.
Training programs
One of the best things about the TRX system is that it comes with an app. So whether you’re at home or traveling, you can always have your workout routine with you. The app includes video demonstrations of every exercise in the program.
With Resistance bands, you can find thousands of self-taught workouts on YouTube, but the problem with them is that there’s no specific order or proper guidance.
For this, I’d opt for the TRX suspension trainer.
Quality
TRX has been developed with a strict quality control protocol that ensures each product meets set standards.
These straps are made from a durable, lightweight nylon material that not only looks good but also won’t break or snap in the middle during your workout.
On the other hand, resistance bands are made from various materials, including latex and synthetic rubber, making them less likely to break.
Still, it can be difficult for beginners to find the right type of band without trying out each one first.
Wrapping Up
Both TRX and resistance bands have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider what you are looking for before making a purchase.
If you are looking for a versatile, safe workout routine that can be done anywhere, the TRX system is a good option.
On the other hand, if you are looking to target smaller muscle groups specifically, then using resistance bands would be better.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to consult with a personal trainer or fitness specialist to find the best workout routine for you.
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Check out our article on TRX vs Weights
