Hanging tough - suspension training
Wednesday 25 February 2009
At Closer we know that our favourite A-Listers don't get their red carpet perfect bodies by sticking to the same old boring exercise routine, so our ears prick up everytime we hear that Hollywood is on to something new.
The latest trend to grip the celebrity world is suspension training, and everyone from Pink, Gwen Stefani, Ben Affleck and Toby Maguire has been using it get into shape for gruelling dance routines or to get extra fit for those action scenes.
Suspension training was first used by the Navy Seals to improve fitness, flexibility, balance and strength and is now used by professional athletes - so it’s a seriously effective workout!
It is based around the TRX Suspension Training System, which sees you being attached to a metal frame with elastic ropes (a bit like bungee ropes), so you workout by pushing and pulling against your own bodyweight to improve strength and muscle tone.
Suspension training works so well because it allows you to move from all angles (known as multiplanar training). This mimics everyday life and can help to improve performance and to prevent injuries. There are over 300 different moves to try, so a full body workout is guaranteed!
The focus of this training programme isn't necessarily to lose weight but to strengthen your core and improve your fitness levels, which in turn will make your exercise more efficient.
Nick Hudson, National Fitness Manager at Virgin Active explains: ‘What many people don’t realise is that a strong core is essential to help prevent injuries, improve posture and increase overall strength.
'Suspension Training builds whole body strength with every exercise by creating an element of instability that calls on your core to provide balance and coordination and is really easy to use. You control the resistance and difficulty of your workout by simply shifting the position of your body.’
Virgin Active are the first to try this revolutionary system - check out www.virginactive.co.uk for contact information and to find a club near you.