I have a question for all you experts that I have been mulling over for the past few weeks.
I have about 40 pounds I need to lose and am in the process of doing so - so that's all good.
I've been going to TRX and Pilates based exercise programs that focus primarily on your body weight as the exercise tool.
I am not able to perform the exercises properly or with a proper set of reps because I am not strong enough. The skinnier women in group I know are in good shape, but they can do these TRX type moves and I cannot. I am actually fairly strong and do a lot of activities that require good body/core strength. So while I'm overweight, I'm fairly solid and not a flabby heavy person. This "failure" to perform these classes per the instructor are making me hate to go to these classes.
I'm just wondering if the fact I'm lifting another 40 pounds in body weight causing me to have more trouble with TRX than the other class participants? I have been thinking about moving over to doing more traditional free weights or Cybex machines while I'm in weight loss period but am I just whining??
I go to Zumba twice a week and walk 2 miles the other days, so I'm getting cardio in. Just need to find a weight training solution that works for me and am frustrated that doing planks and TRX is so hard!!
Thanks for your input!
Body Weight Training - please weigh in!
Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose
Re: Body Weight Training - please weigh in!
Hi Cak, good to speak with you.
It is certainly possible that the extra body weight you are speaking of, could be the root of your concerns regarding performing TRX moves and therefore maybe you might find it more fruitful to go for traditional free weight alternatives.
When you perform the TRX moves, what sort of rep numbers can you output versus other people?
It is certainly possible that the extra body weight you are speaking of, could be the root of your concerns regarding performing TRX moves and therefore maybe you might find it more fruitful to go for traditional free weight alternatives.
When you perform the TRX moves, what sort of rep numbers can you output versus other people?
Re: Body Weight Training - please weigh in!
I can do 6-8 reps vs. 10-12 that other are doing, but it's more form and being able to extend arms as wide as others etc.
It just frustrates me and so I may go to more traditional weight training until I get weight down and then try again. I just was wondering what others thought about basically the physics of the whole thing.
If you have two 5'4" women and one weighs 40-50 pounds more than the other and they both are in fair to decent shape, it just seems that the heavier one is having to support and lift a much heavier load when doing body weight type exercises like TRX or planks etc.
I'm not trying to find excuses for quitting TRX, just trying to understand why it's so much harder for me than others!
It just frustrates me and so I may go to more traditional weight training until I get weight down and then try again. I just was wondering what others thought about basically the physics of the whole thing.
If you have two 5'4" women and one weighs 40-50 pounds more than the other and they both are in fair to decent shape, it just seems that the heavier one is having to support and lift a much heavier load when doing body weight type exercises like TRX or planks etc.
I'm not trying to find excuses for quitting TRX, just trying to understand why it's so much harder for me than others!
- MatthewCocking
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Re: Body Weight Training - please weigh in!
Hi Cak9135!
To be honest, at the end of the day training is about finding what is right for you. If you enjoy these TRX classes (apologies for the lack of specifics, I am not too well read on TRX) then I would say continue doing them, the reality is if you are loosing weight anyway then it will get easier over time.. All you have to do is continue to push yourself and you will gradually improve your reps too
However, if you feel that you would be more comfortable just building in a weights training regime and dropping the TRX, then that is also the right decision! Building muscle is always an excellent way to aid FAT loss. Having more muscle helps increase your metabolic rate and therefore can speed up the fat loss process!
Personally, I weight train 4 times a week and control diet very well. For that reason, I feel no need for cardio since I am able to hit goals happily without. Its just all about what works best for you and what you are happy doing
To be honest, at the end of the day training is about finding what is right for you. If you enjoy these TRX classes (apologies for the lack of specifics, I am not too well read on TRX) then I would say continue doing them, the reality is if you are loosing weight anyway then it will get easier over time.. All you have to do is continue to push yourself and you will gradually improve your reps too

However, if you feel that you would be more comfortable just building in a weights training regime and dropping the TRX, then that is also the right decision! Building muscle is always an excellent way to aid FAT loss. Having more muscle helps increase your metabolic rate and therefore can speed up the fat loss process!
Personally, I weight train 4 times a week and control diet very well. For that reason, I feel no need for cardio since I am able to hit goals happily without. Its just all about what works best for you and what you are happy doing

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Re: Body Weight Training - please weigh in!
TRX is a great exercise system, it is also incredibly easy to moderate the resistance by simply changing the angle you perform the exercises at. I have large and small clients train on this equipment all the time. Find the right angle for you, and stick with moves you can currently do and leave more challenging moves for when you get stronger. If you are doing a group class any trainer worth their weight should be able to help you with this particularly in a beginner class. Alternatives would be resistance band exercises or light weights. Progress your cardio intensity regularly for best results.
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