This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill. See the full list of reviews here.
Class length: 50 Minutes
Description from the Equinox: Challenge your entire body with this innovative circuit class that tests your strength, endurance, core and more.
What Class Was Like
TRX MAX was a circuit workout with Tabata style increments of minute long work reps followed by 10 seconds of rest. There were three stations, all with two different exercises to be done for a minute each before progressing to the next station. After the entire class had done all of the stations, there was a break for Tabata style cardio. Then the 3 strength circuits were repeated followed by a different set of cardio, and finally the three circuits again in briefer intervals before ending with some core work on the mat and a little stretching.
Sample Exercises
These change from class to class depending on the instructor and the day. Examples are from the day I attended class.
- Side and back single leg squats using a medicine ball weight
- Single leg squats combined with dumbbell extensions and overhead presses
- Push ups with one hand on the medicine ball then rolling ball to the other hand to switch sides while remaining in plank position
- TRX Y and T pulls
- TRX single arm side extensions
- Dumbbell weight work from a bridge pose
- Jumping jacks, star jumps, high knees etc. for cardio increments
Who would love it?
Good for someone who wants a strength and cardio combination class and is looking to mix things up a bit. Similar feel to Tabata Circuit, Damage Control and Stacked! with perhaps a little less cardio than Tabata Circuit.
I felt great after class, like I’d worked a variety of muscle groups and definitely kept my heart rate up.
A great class to get a good workout, not the best place to learn about TRX
I was excited to check this class out to see if taking it would help me learn to use my TRX comfortably at home. While this class did incorporate TRX training, it was only for a few exercises. I think the best way to learn to use one at home would probably be private instruction geared towards your ability level. If that’s not realistic, watching videos that demonstrate correct form and reading about which exercises are recommended based on your strength training goals might be a good step. This class was a great cardio and strength workout, but not the best place to master a variety of TRX exercises. Though perhaps regularly incorporating the class would gradually expand your repertoire of movements with the benefit of an instructor on hand for questions and corrections.
Know before you go
Pay attention to the instructor demo! The circuit style class means you’ll have only 1/3 of the class to follow if you don’t remember what you’re doing and a floating instructor rather than one modeling the exercise in real time.
Music was at a heart-pumping volume – it never hurts to bring ear plugs in case.
If you’re newer to strength training, I recommend starting with Barre, Core Synergy, or a Pilates class instead. Ability to do squats with weights, push-ups, and jumping style cardio will help you get the most out of class.