Those of you who know me in real life are quite familiar with how often and completely I publicly embarrass myself. As a child I used to think that ability, combined with my propensity to blush easily, was a curse but now I just embrace my “gift” and go with it. So for those of you who wonder if I really do all those crazy things in the gym that I write about, I offer you the photographic evidence:
The TRX workout, Day 1
(Note to self: shorts were a bad idea. As were shoes. And pride.)
Setting up the TRX proved a bit tricky. It’s simple as pie to swing it over an immovable object – the chinup bar/cable machine right smack dab in the middle of the weight floor, in our case – and hook the carabiner through the strap. But getting the handles to be the same height required some serious gymnastics. Gym Buddy Allison bravely sacrifices herself for the pursuit of fitness (and sweat stains).
The first two exercises were basic squats and lunges while holding onto the handles. But number 3 was a doozy. Designed to work the hamstrings and hip adductors, you start like this:
Allison actually said “I’m ready for my exam now” as I took the picture. I almost dropped the camera.And end like this (forcing the question, which is the lesser evil: facing the wall o’ mirrors or the track?).
Next up were push-ups (and no, we didn’t attempt the “atomic” variety today). Not only were these an excellent burn – you just move your feet farther back until it is as difficult as you need – but they also encouraged several bystanders to give the TRX a try.
Not that anyone cares but that little vein on each shoulder? I worked really really hard for those vascular badges of honor.Allison managed to make look a little less like falling and a lot more like fun. Which it was, if I do say so myself.
The coup d’etat of the workout though was a move named the “supine pull-through.” It should have been called Pure Ab Evil. Oh sure, it looked easy enough on the website. This is how you start out (sort-of):
Random Stranger: You’re doing it wrongMe: Unnhhhhh…?
RS: In the picture (points to my handy dandy laminated workout card) her butt is higher than her feet. You’re sagging.
Me: Huuummmmmmhhhhh!
RS: It looks easy in the picture.
Me: Well it’s not!! I can’t lift my hips any higher or my legs fly apart!
RS: Oh yeah! Like that stirrups move you were doing earlier? That was a good one. You should definitely do that one again.
Me: Ewwwwww….
And this is… well, it’s not at all how you are supposed to end but was as close as we could get. Yeah, Allison’s butt’s off the floor. And it’s NOT easy, okay?? It’s ridiculously hard. It’s almost Wicked Wiper hard. That’s right, punk.
By this time we had gathered quite a crowd and so we challenged our friend (not to be confused with Random Stranger, above) to give it his best shot. Yep, not even a super buff kick-boxer guy could do it. (Although he did get really close. And managed to make it look better than either Allison or I did.) Plus I just wanted to put up proof that Male Gym Buddies do exist!
The final humiliation of the morning involved an ab crunch that while easy enough to execute ended in this fun-for-everyone pose:
We concluded by using the TRX do some Pilates type moves and stretch out our sore legs. Excitingly, this ended up being closer to aerial dancing than I ever could have dreamed! Both Gym Buddy Allison and I “took flight” and sailed gracefully (cough, cough) in circles around the floor.
The Giveaway
The best part of the day was after we finished our work out/giggle-fest, packed up all our gear, and apologized to everyone we irritated; we passed an open studio on our way down the stairs. Want to know what was inside it, hanging calmly from a ceiling beam far far away from prying eyes? A brand spanking new TRX. That’s right, after all the drama with stealing the chin-up bar and ticking off the regulars and basically taking over the weight floor, it turns out the Y already had one! It’s like rain, on your wedding day. It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid. It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take. It’s 10,000 plastic sporks when all you need is a knife!!! Yes, it’s ironic, dontcha think?
So you want a chance to join in all the fun? TRX has kindly offered a TRX to one motivated GFE reader (edited: the giveaway does not come with the door adapter or DVD). Not only is this thing super portable (it weighs just a few pounds) but you can literally use it anywhere and get a killer workout. PLUS you get to look as awesome as the Gym Buddies and I do. So here’s how you win: please head over to the TRX website and check out their list of exercises. Then come back here and tell me which one you would most like to do and why. You have until Friday!
PS> The winner of the Danskin tee shirt is… Dr. J!! (Kidding. He was the first name I picked out of the cup though. But somehow I don’t think pink floral is his thing.) Anyhow, the FEMALE winner is Randi! Drop me an e-mail, girl.
The Oblique Body Saw! Can you say painful but looks totally fun.
Loved the pictures of you guys. Way better than I could have done.
How fun!! I would be all over the atomic push up. If I was there, I would have made you guys try them. (or at least the alternate one for “when you’re tired”)
I think the girl doing the side-lying plank looks kind of like you- you should get a job modeling workout equipment- you would look way better than lots of those models. How’s that for buttering you up? PICK ME!
Atomic Pull-Up! Looks ridiculously hard but I would love to master!
Just_Kelly
Choosinglosing.blogspot.com
I want to do the Suspended Incline Press. I looks completely rediculous and there is a high potential for total humiliation!
Please Pick Me! I want to play too!
Jenn
That supine pull through looks fun. I’ve always liked weirdly hard ab exercises.
The suspended oblique pike looks like it would be fun, hard, and hilarious. Those are my three requirements as far as exercising goes! I am really intrigued by this whole system!
I love all your pictures. The TRX looks like a lot of fun! Though, for someone as klutzy as me, I can imagine all the ways I’d get tangled or end up splattered on the mat.
I like the low shoulder fly and the power arm pull, two low-impact looking exercises I’m supposed to be doing for the bum shoulder.
Oh my gosh, you ladies look great and like you were having a good time! These pictures have me and my roommate cracking up right now. I’m up for the doctor table position thingie, as I believe it would be good for my weak inner thighs????
At least you’re emberassing yourself in a fun way! Last night at the gym i wanted to unload the squatbar. I took off the big weights on one side of the bar, and then watched in amazement as the weightless side of the bar flew up and the still very much weighted side hit the ground with a big thunk.
Way to get unflatting attention at the gym!
I love the V SIT
well NEED IT I MEAN
(my core really sucks.
Im not kidding. youve seen!)
Im a hunched over mama
with a neglected mid.
(section I mean
I have it on VID!)
please pick this woman
who the gym does not make
three forths of the time
and still she needs a BREAK.
more stuff for at home?
too fun. Id adore.
A firmer core area
Ren Man is ALL FOR!
I’m certain you could team this with a twister board and a bottle of gin and make a whole new product to break the ice at all those upcoming Christmas parties.
Looks like amazing fun! Personally I’m game for any stretching exercise that makes me look like I’m straight outta House of Flying Daggers… (although I suspect UK not eligible as usual, *sigh*)
TA x
LOL!! Hey pink is the new black!
Gosh, I love the photos! You guys are having so much fun!! Exactly like the TRX demo video, only better!
I really want to try the Side Plank with Abduction because it looks like a great way to challenge the core while working the hips and abductors. I thought I had done every leg lift variations known to (wo)man but this one is new to me!
Looks like you had a great time in the gym (aside from the icky guy incident) and I look forward to reading more about your TRX adventures.
I would love to build up my lower body strength to be able to do pistols, so I’ll go with the assisted pistol.
I also saw this post and think a TRX-KB workout would be really cool to do.
http://kettlebell.com/2008/09/10/combining-kettlebell-circuits-with-suspension-training/
The oblique pike, because I’ve done them at work and they’re uberfun.
Ashley – thanks girl!
chilerocks – you would have kicked our butts around the block on this one! I miss you!! And speaking of fitness modelling, I’m actually doing some on Friday… (look for a future post on that one!)
Anya – bum shoulder?? Nooooo!!! Hope you feel better:)
Toots – aw thanks! What’s the point of posting embarrassing pics on the Internet if not to give others a good giggle?
lolfitness – I have totally done that same thing!! And you’re right about the unwanted attention:) Great story.
Mizfit – oooh, you wrote me a poem! I feel special. I will frame it and keep it forever!!
TA – your party idea sounds fab! And I forgot to ask about outside of the US entries… oops! Will check on that.
jamesw – KBs AND suspension training??? You just made my whole week! I must try that! yay for joining the circus!
Wow…the chest press exercise looks totally hard but also totally awesome.
Kudos for doing some of those exercises right in the middle of the gym. I wish gyms would do more to cultivate a friendly atmosphere where you could go in and do all sorts of kooky exercise moves without worrying about looking like such a fool. I always have to save my embarassing workout moves for home.
I’d definitely try the single leg squat because my gym doesn’t have a squat rack 🙁
you have bangs! cute!
What a fabulous giveawy – very swanky…
so fun. it’s a whole home gym in a tiny lightweight carrying case. even if i don’t win–may be a good thing to ask for from Santa. yes–my family still says Santa.
keep us posted on this one! i want to know when/if it gets easier!
Holy crap, I’m totally intimidated. I’m still mastering the exercise called “putting one foot in front of the other” ;). These pictures are fabulously absurd and impressive at the same time.
I would choose High Back Extension. I currently am battling a herniated disk in my lower back. The exercises that offer the most relief involve extension. The demonstrations at the fitness anywhere website looks like those movements would be great for what I need.
Paul H.
Single Arm Power Pull! Just to see if I can keep from losing my balance and spinning around in circles while I should be facing forward. That would be something worth video-ing.
Love the post; there’s nothing like putting yourself in an awkward position to make for good blog fodder.
BALANCE LUNGE! I have a hard time feeling things properly when I do a lunge (I keep writing lunch not lunge – ha!) and I think this would definately help me out. If I don’t win I’m thinking about the g-strink dental floss homemade version…
That looks like so much fun, love the pictures! Atomic pushups look awesome, and how can you not love the name…those oblique crunches to a pike look pretty darn awesome too.
Sprinter’s Start. Building power up in that area would really help with a whole host of CrossFit activities and might improve my short distance running a bit.
Ok, so I can’t view the pictures with the real names at work. But I looked at the photo gallery, and I like the tricep one (kind of like pushup position, only your arms are 90 degrees in front of you).
This looks awesome!
ooo I wanna win! I think the side plank looks killer. its one of the most simple but I CANNOT find a way to make side planks hards. I think haning fromt the ceiling is the next step.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Oooh please pick me! I’m a starving artist, and can’t afford a gym membership, so am limited to what bodyweight exercises I can perform at home. That would be soooo awesome to win.
As for which stunt? – the Atomic Push Up, absolutely!
Suspended side plank, all the way!
I love that your male gym buddy was rocking the pink by the way. I went to a concert with mine after our run yesterday and it was fantastic. I’m going to miss him when he leaves in two weeks. 🙁
Suspended Oblique Crunch to a Pike!!!! Hard, fun, and the Humiliation Potential (for someone like me) is very high.
Yes. That is a must-do!
(BTW, you guys look great!)
(Me? A suck-up?)
Oooh that thing looks like so much fun and it looks so intense! I love it! Suspendd Oblique Crunch to a Pike looks SO good.
Atomic Pull-Up!!!!
I’ve used these a bit before during an outdoor bootcamp this summer. Our group would set them up along a baseball backstop fence. I LOVE to have one of my own.
Char – I love how you threw Gym Buddy V into trying your cool way of working out!!! Looks like a lot of fun! I don’t think I have the cordination to operate that thing!! LOL!
Dang! All of those exercises look completely brutal – but the side plank with abduction would have to be my initial pick. I love normal (stable!) planks, but adding the suspended leg and the abduction brings it to the next level…and who doesn’t want that?!
Charlotte you’re sooo funny! I would love torture myself with a single leg squat. Maybe I’ll be able to kick over my head and do a full split again.
Tim Rosanelli
View my blog at
Sensei Talks
Join our sit-up challenge at
60 Situps in a Minute Challenge
Suspended incline press, if I can do a push up on my head my life would be complete.
Best photo series I’ve seen in a while! Man, I hate to sound like an add but that TRX thingy sure makes exercise look fun. I guess the trick is finding friends to exercise with… otherwise I can see being way to shy to try this on my own. At least, not in a public place.
Dude those chest presses look like so much fun. Kind of like suspended superman. That doesnt make sense. I just think it looks cool ok!
I want to try them all!! But definately the suspended incline press. I used to be a gymnast and I would kill to be able to do that again! Also because I enjoy providing high quality entertainment to my friends and family by ending up in ridiculous positions, and in the case of the suspending incline…probably hanging upside down forever. Please Please…I will send my own TRX circus pictures if I get the equipment!!! 🙂
First time commenter here ! I actually work out regularly using the TRX with my trainer, and it kicks my butt !! So i m gonna have to say atomic push up. First of all, I wasnt able to do a single “man” push up when i started my fitness journey. Now I love them and could easily do 20 of them.I could do the regular push up on the TRX but i attempted doing the first part of the atomic push up and miserably failed !! Thats why it would be a great challenge to take push ups to the next level and see how far I ve come and how strong i feel !!
ok, I totally want to come to the gym with you! How FUN!!!
I heart squats, so I’m going to say my favorite is the single leg squat. 🙂
I think I’d like the suspended side plank cause there’s nothing worse than trying to do the side plank with your feet on the ground. God forbid I figure out how to stack my feet on the floor!
I like the look of the high back extension – I love me a good back exercise! But LOTS of them look so good!
The Sprinter’s Start!
Can I pretend I’m launching into some sort of Cirque de Soleil act while doing it?
Or Cirque de Sore Legs?
What do you think the exercise is in their website banner? Profile of someone doing Mountain Climber with feet suspended? That’s my second choice.
-M
Wow, so hard to choose just one!! Awesome demonstrations of you two….I can picture myself doing those at home but can’t picture doing it in public since I have poor balance and would rather hurt myself in private 🙂 I would have to narrow it down to two but still that was HARD! Balance lunge because it would be hard and work so many areas and angles and just looks cool and the spine mobilizer to loosen my chronically tight hamstrings! I sooooo hope I win. Have wanted one of these forever since reading of some doing it on JP Fitness…..but can’t afford it and it remains on my want list 🙂
Christi (cj@johndavidinsurance.com)
I would want to do the balance lunge – looks like it would be great for triathlon cross training!
I’d like to try the Supine Bicycle and use the TRX for some serious streching. You guys look like you a fun workout!
the “Y” Deltoid Raise looks like an awesome arm workout! Shoulders are so sexy!
Suspension training! Now THAT looks interesting. (And good for you two, being brave enough to try it in a public gym. At least you have a partner…it would be a little harder to do it by yourself, huh?)
I think the Hamstring Bicycle looks pretty killer myself!
Without a doubt: the Single Arm Power Pull.
This looks like the perfect exercise for windsurfing strength in the off season. I need to target upper and lower arms, shoulders, back AND core. A deficiency in any one area becomes immediately apparent on the water. This single move has it all – and it’s something you just can’t do with a universal or weights.
I think this one exercise (Ok, the High Bicep Curl looks simply delightful) would be reason enough to own this rig.
Am I too late? I hope not. This loooks amazzzingg.
That suspended side plank/suspended plank is something I’d love to try. I usually put a medicine ball under my feet to make planks harder by recruiting muscles for balance as well as elevating my feet, but I wonder how different it feels when your legs are held up from the top!
I love these pictures…! Your shoes are looking fabulous.