TRX is a versatile and effective tool for functional training, but it can also be challenging to keep your class motivated and engaged. How can you create a fun and engaging TRX class that will keep your participants coming back for more? Here are some tips to help you plan and deliver a great TRX workout.
Before you design your TRX class, you need to know who you are teaching and what their goals, preferences, and abilities are. You can do this by asking them questions, observing their movements, and giving them feedback. This will help you tailor your class to their needs and interests, as well as create a rapport and trust with them. You can also use this information to adjust the intensity, duration, and complexity of your exercises, as well as the cues and instructions you give.
Show your clients what they can do with dumbbells/weights they can also do with TRX. An effective workout doesn't have to include holding weights. by using body weight and core, your workouts can be just as effective. A few examples: -Pistol Squat progression: great to have a little TRX support to work on a bigger range of motion. -Core work without sit-ups: TRX classes use a lot of core muscles from abs, obliques, transverse abs, back etc. Get a full core workout while using TRX. -Instability: Strengthen all the little muscles that help us balance and move in a day. A low plank mountain climber without swinging, single-leg reverse lunges do wonders for your ankles (and glutes!).
Its important to make sure you are clear on the goal you are trying to achieve within the class or course. Is it to provide a fun way of moving, increase heart rate, learn new skills and movements or provide an effective full body training? Based on that making sure you cover all the basic human movements and movement pattern can help to come up with a round training. - include a push/pull/hinge/squat movement and then make sure the intensity is right based on the goal and level of the class/trainee. I personally like to combine "meat & potato exercises" (whats needed for results) with some fun elements to keep them engaged.
One of the benefits of TRX is that it allows you to perform a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups, movements, and planes of motion. You can use this to your advantage by mixing up your class format and content, so that your participants never get bored or plateau. You can vary the tempo, range of motion, stability, resistance, and direction of your exercises, as well as the order, sequence, and combinations of them. You can also introduce different themes, challenges, circuits, intervals, and games to spice up your class.
Think of all exercise variations so that exercise will serve a variety of populations and encourage them to participate at the level they're at. Do what you can with what you have - capitalize on introducing modifications that will be good for one but serve many!
While variety is important, so is quality. You want to make sure that your participants are performing the TRX exercises correctly and safely, to avoid injury and maximize results. You can do this by demonstrating the exercises clearly and precisely, explaining the key points and benefits of each one, and correcting any errors or deviations. You can also use verbal, visual, and tactile cues to guide your participants and help them align, activate, and control their movements.
Another way to create a fun and engaging TRX class is to encourage interaction among your participants and with yourself. You can do this by creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, where you praise, motivate, and challenge your participants. You can also use humor, stories, and anecdotes to make your class more lively and relatable. You can also involve your participants in the class by asking them questions, giving them choices, and soliciting their feedback. You can also create opportunities for them to work together, such as in pairs, groups, or teams, to foster camaraderie and competition.
Music can be a powerful tool to enhance your TRX class, as it can influence the mood, energy, and rhythm of your participants. You can use music to set the tone, pace, and intensity of your class, as well as to create transitions, cues, and highlights. You can also use music to match the theme, style, and purpose of your class, as well as to appeal to your participants' tastes and preferences. You can also use music to create fun and engaging moments, such as by syncing your exercises to the beat, lyrics, or chorus of a song.
Finally, the most important tip to create a fun and engaging TRX class is to have fun yourself. You are the leader and the model of your class, and your attitude and enthusiasm will reflect on your participants. You can have fun by being authentic, passionate, and creative, and by showing your personality and humor. You can also have fun by enjoying the process, the challenge, and the results of your TRX class, and by celebrating your achievements and those of your participants.