Hanging Around

Suspension training is attracting legions of devotees. Club instructor Felix Gallego explains why.

Gripping a strap hanging from a ceiling bar in The Studio, Felix Gallego leans back. Pulling on the strap with his right hand, he raises his body and rolls his shoulder inward, as if grappling an invisible opponent.

The move, modified by Gallego and called a TRX (total-body resistance exercise) hip throw, was modeled after a jiujitsu throw technique.

“From the moment you grab the strap, you give tension, you are activating 100 percent of your muscles,” says the new Club fitness instructor. “TRX is about learning how to move well, at the same time, you get stronger.”

Before relocating to Japan a year ago, Gallego was one of six certified instructors at the TRX training center in San Francisco. He taught more than 50 students a day, from UFC fighters to NBA athletic trainers.

A former amateur football player in his native Madrid, Gallego moved to San Francisco to play college soccer. As a certified fitness trainer, he was forever looking for ways to improve performance and prevent injury.

After four sports-related knee procedures, the aikido black belt took up TRX 10 years ago.

“The pain in my knee disappeared because I was strengthening the muscles [and] stabilizing the knee joints, the hamstrings, the quads,” says Gallego, 46. “I felt it in aikido. In the throws, I didn’t have to use much effort. It was fun.”

TRX suspension training was developed by a former US Navy Seal who fashioned equipment from webbing and parachute cords. Using a person’s own body weight as resistance, TRX is designed to constantly work core muscles and joints, according to Gallego.

“The magic of the suspension trainer is, instead of having to adjust plates or add weights to your machine, you use your own body weight,” says Gallego. “You increase the angle and you have added more load to that muscle group. Take two steps back, it becomes easier.”

As with any physical activity, Gallego recommends TRX beginners have a basic level of fitness and coordination. He says monitored instruction from a certified trainer is important to avoid injury or cardiovascular issues.

Member Veronica Connor works out four times a week at Club yoga and indoor cycling classes. She says she wanted to increase her overall fitness but didn’t want to use weights because of a shoulder injury.

“I really enjoy Felix’s class because it is a whole-body workout in a safe way,” says Connor, 49. “Even if I couldn’t do some advanced moves, he adjusted so I could move according to my ability.”

Gallego teaches one entry-level class and a more intense class for those looking for an alternative to their regular routine.

“I was surprised to find that I could do the whole class,” says Connor. “Every time, I feel like I am definitely getting stronger.”

TRX Fit
Wed & Fri

TRX Sweat
Thu

Words: Nick Narigon
Image: Enrique Balducci