The Difference Between TRX® FUNCTIONAL TRAINERS – Which Is The Best and Which To Buy?
Staying in a good shape is, probably, one of the most violated goals across the universe. A lot of us have, at least once, made a new year’s resolution about getting fit. Mind you, being fit is not just about losing weight. Losing weight, gaining strength, and bulking up are just some of the points behind it.
We have tons of excuses when it’s time to exercise – rain, traffic, lack of time and so on and on. Admit it - you have used it! But as much as we dont want to face it, our real reason is that we don’t have enough motivation.
Working out helps us maintain our body functions at its finest and strengthens our cardiopulmonary system!
But even health benefits are not enough to motivate for a healthy lifestyle. Here’s one thing, if we could just minimize that friction from home to the gym, or from home to wherever you train, life would be a bit easier 👉 TRX Suspension Trainer!
WHY TRX® IS POPULAR?
TRX® capitalized on availability. This suspension training equipment and the method was developed by Commander Randy Hetrick. His invention and method of training were adopted by the US Marin Corps in 2007. This means that this equipment earned a lot of merits to catch the eyes of the military. Later, it has been readily available, and training methods have been carefully improved.
With a simple piece of equipment that eliminates many of our excuses not to work out, we could increase the chances of keeping to our goals and staying fit!
Below are the most popular models of TRX® . Let’s have a look at each model and see the differences.
TRX® models
1. TRX® HOME2
TRX® HOME2 System is the entry-level among the TRX® selection- a lightweight, highly portable and scalable training system.
What’s Included
- TRX® HOME2 System
- 8-week workout program downloads
- Workout poster in 7 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin)
- TRX Training Club free access for 3 months
- TRX® Suspension Anchor™
- TRX® Door Anchor™
- Mesh carry bag
Target Audience
- adapted for home utilization
- provides effective full-body workout at home or on the go
- you receive FREE procedures and personal video trainings for your PC, tablets and mobiles
- an essential fitness tool for all who love their freedom and prefer to create and follow their own workout schedule
Straight out of the box, you get the suspension harness complete with the stirrups, a door anchor, and a yellow extension line. Original color scheme makes it easily visible and quickly to identify.
The handles are made with durable and grippy material that allows to confidently hang your weight without worrying about your hands slipping from the handle. Attached through the handle are loops that are meant to cradle the foot for different modes of suspended exercise.
The line extends and is joined at the end with durable stitching. The carabiner at the end of the line can be attached to the door anchor or to the extension loop. The manufacturer advises the harness attached to the door anchor. However, you can also use the extension line and loop it around something sturdy like a vertical post or ceiling hook.
It also comes with a mesh bag that is very useful if you are on the go. You also get a small card that contains information that you will need for registering the product. It also includes a instruction manual that guides you on how to mount the product and some workout examples.
Build a better body at home – or on the go!
TRX® HOME2 comes with an app registration to access the materials on official TRX® website. The app contains video tutorials and pre-programmed workout routines that guides you and help you monitor your progress.
Aside from the workout templates, there are also customized templates on the App with different goals:
- stabilizing muscles
- releasing tension around your back bone
- strengthening your whole body
- building lean muscle
Effective video workouts can be accessed on any computer, tablet or mobile device. Due to this, the system is portable and can be set up anywhere. All TRX® trainings are also available for download in PDF format.
TRX® HOME2 has a content and design that are different from other models.
More possibilities to anchor your TRX® at home and outdoor
Colour pattern is slightly different from the other product lines
Foam grips for superior comfort and increased door protection
Modular 15 and 30-minute workouts that can be mixed for any fitness goal or level
It can be set up on any standard door with the help of the “Door Anchor”, or any other sturdy structure, trees, ceiling beams or weight racks . A full range of anchoring solutions is already included in the package.
Watch this video that shows all the possibilities of installing the TRX® .
The Pros
👍 Harness made with durable materials.
👍 Grippy handles.
👍 The harness can be easily adjusted according to the desired length.
👍 The extension line adds a variety of exercises that you can do with this equipment (up to 300 exercises)
👍 TRX® HOME2 is portable and can be easily lugged around and brought to your trips or at the park.
The Cons
👎 Quite costly for the entry-level equipment.
👎 Although the anchors are cushioned, it may still eventually wear out your door and door frame. You might as well install a ceiling hook (TRX® X-Mount), or some sort, at home for easier and more secure attachment.
2. TRX® PRO4
Basically, TRX® PRO4 is similar to the TRX® HOME2. They both have the same barrel lock mechanism for easy adjustments and the extension line. It comes with the same durable door anchor attachment too.
What’s Included
- TRX® PRO4 System
- Adjustable foot cardles
- Theft-resistant carabiner
- Industrial-grade reinforcement stitching
- Barrel lock adjusters
- 8-week workout program downloads
- Workout poster in 7 languages
- TRX Training Club free access for 3 months
- TRX® Suspension Anchor™
- TRX® Door Anchor™
- TRX® Xtender™
- Mesh carry bag
TRX® PRO4 Kit is the best tool for professional trainers, designed with durability and safety so your clients get the results they want.
Target Audience
- The ultimate solution for professional trainers
- It is reliable, durable and safe
- Tailored for commercial use
What is the difference between TRX® HOME2and TRX® PRO4?
TRX® PRO4has been designed especially for professional trainers in fitness centers and group classes. The handles, however, are made with firmer material that has a more solid feel compared to the TRX® HOME2. Also, the grips are made with a more hygienic material that prevents the fast growth of bacteria.
Watch this video that introduces the TRX® PRO4 Suspension Trainer.
The color scheme is, basically, the same with a few design differences. Instead of a gray stripe in the middle of the harness, the TRX home has a black color. Although TRX® PRO4 and TRX® HOME2 look pretty similar, the former has a noticeably more robust.
It also comes with a year of free app subscription with all the extras you get from the TRX home version.
Lastly, it comes with a mesh bag that is big enough for the harness and all attachment to fit in, but small enough to take little space on your suitcase when you are on the go.
TRX® PRO4 has a content and design that are different from other models.
A full range of anchoring solutions.
New videos and cards customized for professional trainers.
Corrosion resistant carabiner with pin lock security, designed to support over 600 kg.
Commercial-grade rubber handles are ergonomic, anti-slip and easy to clean.
TRX® PRO4 can be set up on any standard door with the help of the “Door Anchor”, or any other sturdy structure, trees, ceiling beams or weight racks (as the TRX® HOME2). A full range of anchoring solutions is already included in the package.
The Pros
👍 More robust to withstand frequent use.
👍 You can rest your weight on the harness with confidence with a more durable feel.
👍 The firmer grips feel better and fuller to the hands.
👍 The hand grips made with hygienic materials that prevent the fast growth of bacteria
👍 TRX® PRO4 is portable and can be easily lugged around and brought anywhere.
The Cons
👎 It’s much more expensive than the TRX® HOME2 version
👎 There is very little difference and benefit from getting this version comparig to the TRX® HOME2 version, if you will to use it mostly for your own personal workouts
3. TRX® FORCE
TRX® FORCE is the most complete, rugged and advanced workout system ever. Invented by Navy SEALS for special training of military units. Tailored for functional training in any environment, whether extreme outdoors or indoors.
What’s included
- TRX® FORCE System
- Industrial-grade reinforcement stitching
- Barrel lock adjusters
- 12-week workout program downloads
- Workout poster in 7 languages
- TRX Training Club free access for 3 months
- TRX® Suspension Anchor™
- TRX® Door Anchor™
- TRX® Xtender™
- TRX FORCE mesh running backpack
- TRX FORCE® App
TRX® FORCE is the top-end model among the TRX® suspension training systems. To keep it simple, this device offers the same function that is similar to what TRX® HOME2 and TRX® PRO4 offer. So, let’s point out the main difference that this it offers.
Target Audience
- TRX® FORCE is the ultimate solution to keep elite tactical athletes mission-ready
- Optimized for functional training in any environment (can be used in the most extreme of conditions)
What is the difference between TRX® FORCE and TRX® PRO4 ?
TRX® FORCE was tailored for military (but it is also used by professional MMA fighters)
TRX® FORCE provides functional training in any extreme condition.
Firstly, the most notable difference - color. Instead of gray, yellow, and black, this comes in khaki and black.
TRX® FORCE Suspension Trainer comes with the same door anchor system and extension lines that the previous models of any TRX® have. It is fitted with the same barrel lock adjusters for ease of use.
Another difference- the material used for the handles. The handle grips are made with the toughest material they could get their hands on. The textured handles prevent accidental slip making each workout you perform safe.
The foot suspension is not easily adjustable (adjustable foot cradles are missing). However, you may find that adjusting the foot cradle doesn’t really has a lot of value, and you could go on even without this adjustment.
It also contains all the features the previous versions of any TRX® have. This equipment is complete with an authenticity card and free app subscription. Lastly, TRX® FORCE has the most durable feel of all others TRX systems.
TRX® FORCE offers the same as TRX® PRO4 , but It comes in:
- a different color scheme
- different education (different mobile app)
- adjustable foot cradles are missing
In addition to color, the most significant difference compared to TRX® PRO4 is the is the TRX® FORCE Super App.
If you purchase TRX® FORCE, you will receive a complex 12-week Tactical Conditioning Program which includes intensive training and military drill exercise and is now accessible anywhere on your smartphone.
Includes a complete exercise library with 3 progressions of TRX® Suspension Training movements for over 70 TRX® Suspension Training exercises. A reference section with set-up and use, and tips will ensure you get the most out of the program. Now, for the first time ever, the TRX® FORCE Super App is available for civilian purchase in the Apple App Store, Google Play and trxtraining.com.
TRX® FORCE can be set up on any standard door with the help of the “Door Anchor”, or any other sturdy structure, trees, doors, ceiling beams or weight racks (as the TRX® HOME2 and TRX® PRO4 ).
The Pros
👍 If you train hardcore, you can confidently rest your weight on this harness without worrying about falling off.
👍 It can be easily packed on a mesh bag that you can bring anywhere you want.
👍 Very grippy handles
👍 12-week Tactical Conditioning Program
👍 Outdoors, the color scheme does not light up as black / yellow models
The Cons
👎 The price point of this suspension trainer is steep for the function it offers.
👎 There is very little difference and benefit from getting this version compares with the TRX® PRO4 version, if you are going to use it mostly for your personal workouts
4. TRX® MOVE
The Lightest and Cheapest TRX® -Original product with all the safety certificates and for a great price. The easiest product from the „family“ - Installation of TRX®MOVE Suspension Trainer takes only only one minute. Anywhere in the world! Only 60 seconds (and less!) and the possibility of various of exercises.
Target audience
TRX® MOVE Suspension Trainer is perfectly suitable for the home use as well as a tool for sport clubs, pupils, teenage and juniors. In comparison with fake copies, it is a safe product. When used correctly, there is no danger of injury. TRX® MOVE is more suitable for individuals and we recommend TRX® PRO4 for commercial use in fitness centers where several people with various weights alternate on TRX®.
What’s included
- TRX® Move System
- 6 workout program downloads
- Workout poster in 7 languages
- TRX Training Club free access for 3 months
- TRX® Suspension Anchor™
- TRX® Door Anchor™
- Mesh carry bag
TRX® MOVE and TRX® HOME set
In comparison with the TRX® HOME2, it differs with its weight and package content. Because of the lower price, there was saving on the material, which is not so robust as in the other versions. However, it makes no difference to quality and safety. The access to educational videos can be found in TRX® MOVE poster, that comes in the package. It shows basic TRX® exercises including two 20 minute trainings. If you are looking for cheap TRX® with the guarantee of safety, TRX® MOVE is a right choice.
Beware of fake TRX
The fake on the market is very dangerous for users, as they are responsible for the number of injuries. TRX® MOVE is an original product which may compete with the price on the black market. At the same time, it has all important features of other original products.
LASTLY, WHY TO GO FOR A SUSPENSION TRAINERS?
Gym subscriptions are getting quite expensive. And, need to admit, we are not making the most out of these subscriptions. There are a few restraints that gym memberships can’t solve. For example, the distance from your gym to your house is one of the factors that determines how frequent you will visit the gym.
It would be great to set up a gym at home to skip the excuse that the gym is too far from home. However, home gyms are costly. Many of us dream of setting up a home gym one day, when can afford it. But in the meantime, a suspension trainer is one of your best bets to stay in shape.
A suspension training is not the opposite of lifting weight.
The main difference is, instead of lifting plates off the floor, you will be lifting your body weight. For some people, when you get used to push-ups, pull-ups, and other bodyweight exercises, it starts to become easy, and soon, you skip it. Now, we don’t want to skip early on.
The main thing that you may appreciate form suspension training is that it’s not as easy as it looks.
You have probably watched a few videos of people demonstrating workouts from suspension harnesses, and it looks like they aren’t even breaking a sweat! But it’s has a moderately steep learning curve.
However, the beauty of it is that it takes quite some time before your body adapts and plateau. And guess what, when you are getting the hang of it, you can start increasing the challenge of your routing by lengthening or shortening the harness.
If you feel like it’s not gonna burn as much as your gym workout, try out some resistance bands while at it.
There are a lot of things you can do with TRX®. Now, with suspension trainer, you can workout at home, at the park, when you travel, or anywhere you want as long as there is a door that you could mount your anchor on!
Now that we have blown the most basic excuses, what’s gonna stop you now?