Make Your Body Your Machine : Featured Member

TRX Community Featured Employee: Joe Knipp

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Joe Knipp is from San Carlos, CA. He is a Naval Academy Graduate and Navy LT that served at Special Boat Team 20. He is currently the Navy Programs Manager at Fitness Anywhere.

How did you first hear about the TRX?
I first heard about the TRX from West Point graduate, Tom Keane. I would have never guessed that a West Point grad would lead me to a life-changing piece of equipment. When he introduced me to the TRX Force Kit, I was hooked! Suspension Training has completely changed my body composition.

What excited you most about the TRX?
I am excited about the TRX Force Kit because I can take my workout with me! Whether I am traveling for business or vacation I am able to get an intense workout without having to find a gym.

How have you incorporated the TRX into your workout routine/lifestyle?
I get my TRX workout in my lunch hour. I do not have to waste time in transit to the gym. I always have my TRX with me so there are no excuses and within my lunch hour I have “made my body my machine!”

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?
I typically workout on the TRX Force Kit outside. However, my favorite place to workout is at the TRX Training Center in San Francisco. The training staff make me hurt in ways I never thought possible!

What are your fitness goals?
I reached my first fitness goal while training on the TRX after a few months. I wanted to get to my college boxing weight. My new fitness goal is to maintain a body for life. For me fitness is not an occasional workout- it is a part of what makes me morally, mentally, and physically balanced.

How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by surrounding myself with driven friends and co-workers. They all workout very diligently and this has a positive effect on my own physical goals.

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?
Being fit means being a person of discipline. It is easy to skip a workout, but the disciplined person knows that physical exercise affects everything. By working out on the TRX I stay healthy and this makes me more efficient in all aspects of my life.

Anything else you would like to add?
The TRX is the most fun and effective way I have ever trained. Thanks Randy!!

Joe is one of the stellar people working behind the scenes at Fitness Anywhere to provide a top quality piece of fitness equipment. Thank you Joe!

TRX Community Featured Instructor: Jonathan Ross

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Ross, a TRX Master Instructor, is the Personal Trainer of the Year for ACE (American Council on Exercise), Exercise TV’s 2008 Best Personal Trainer, and host of Discovery Health Channel's Everyday Fitness, a web series designed to help you decipher the flood of fitness news and apply it to your daily life.

Here's what he has to say:

How did you first hear about the TRX?

Funny story. I had never heard about it, but I saw it. I bought one without even trying it out myself. I was walking through the trade show at the NSCA Conference in July 2006. At this point in my career, I had been in the industry long enough to not be caught up in the hype of every single new piece of equipment that comes out. I saw the small booth that was set up with a few TRXs on a power rack. There were a few people queued up to try it out and I didn’t have time to wait. I watched a few people using it for a few minutes and bought one without touching it or speaking to anyone from the company before purchasing. I quite literally saw its potential immediately.

What excited you most about the TRX?

The ability to use it extends to any regular people and deconditioned exercisers who need a viable fitness solution. They either don’t like and/or can’t afford traditional gyms and gym equipment, or travel too much to have consistent access to equipment. Also, the notion of taking it outdoors was a big draw for me.

How have you incorporated the TRX into your workout routine/lifestyle?

1-2 TRX-exclusive workouts per week and 1-2 addition workouts where it is integrated with other traditional free-weight or cable exercises. This is one of my “big hooks” in my intro during courses. I’ve been using the TRX for three years now and it’s still plays a large role in my workouts. I can’t say that about any other piece of equipment that has come out in the last decade.

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?

Either at the gym, at home, in hotel rooms, and or outside. I know that sounds like just about anywhere, but that’s kind of the idea, right?

What are your fitness goals?

I want to be able to play a sport, go hiking, or try something new and have a reasonable expectation that if I lose or fail at an effort it will be due to a lack of skill; not a lack of conditioning. And I want to have just enough muscle and low enough body fat to look like I’d be halfway decent at any sport or activity.

How do you stay motivated?

Easy. My parents weighed 800 pounds combined. When my father died in 1995, when he weighed 424 pounds. Shortly before he died, he had to go to the airport to get weighed because he was heavier than the scale at the doctor’s office could accommodate. This is a great example of a life poorly lived. You hear a lot of people talk about mortality with obesity, but the real tragedy is the loss of ability to fully participate in your own life. Your world gets smaller. You avoid certain situations and every movement like tying your shoes becomes an “engineering problem.” And in my dad’s case, he stopped truly living long before he died. I have all these memories in my head of the way my father spent the last 10 years or so of his life. It’s the antithesis of fitness and it is a big motivator. But this story has a happy ending. My mother has lost about 170 pounds and is a fairly active 68-year old (she was featured in my TRX Mother’s Day workout). So for me, the ability to stay vital and do the things I enjoy without limitation is a big part of what keeps me seeking fitness.

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?

To be able to do whatever activities I want to do without having to worry about my body. Fitness is about ability, not about appearance. Appearance has to be the minority factor for long termlong-term success both personally and professionally. I always chuckle whenever I get a business card from another trainer that features photo of them with their shirt off. I’m thinking, “You just don’t get it, mate!” People out there “think” they want to lose weight or fit into that wedding dress or that bathing suit. They might want that, but, in reality, they also want something deeper. They want a positive experience. They want to feel good in their own skin. When you know to dig deep enough to find the real motivation, helping people get fit becomes much easier and you are more successful as a professional.

What is it that you are trying to accomplish as an instructor?

I want every attendee to leave my courses not only proficient in setting up and using their TRX – a given – also to become better fitness professionals. Out of respect for the people who spend their time and resources to attend the courses, it’s essential for me as an instructor to convey something of lasting value beyond the TRX instruction that will make them better ambassadors of both the TRX and the fitness industry.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’d love to be the face of the TRX to regular people everywhere. This is the group that I’m most passionate about helping, and because of my background I can easily connect with this population. I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so with through some media work for Discovery Health. Regular people trying to fit exercise into their lives is also, in my opinion, the biggest future growth area in the fitness industry. The industry has grown significantly in the last couple of decades, but to continue growth, we need realistic solutions for the vast, untapped markets out there which include people who aren’t currently participating in a fitness program. I’d encourage new, young trainers to get over the fascination with training athletes. I meet a lot of younger trainers with stars in their eyes. The athletic population is such a small percentage of the total population. It is highly competitive since a lot of fitness pros want to train them, and it is one of the easier types of training to do. All the training parameters are given to us by the sport. I’ve trained athletes – and still do – in many sports, but interestingly, the least fit, non-athlete clients are the ones who have the greatest appreciation for getting even the slightest bit more fit. When their lives get a little bit easier, they become fiercely loyal and provide tremendous word-of-mouth referrals.

Also, I’m excited about my book on abdominal training that will be coming out in 2010 through Human Kinetics publishers and will feature many TRX exercises!

Jonathan can be found online at:

Blog: http://blogs.discovery.com/Jonathan_Ross/

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Everyday-Fitness-with-Jonathan-Ross/58299828177

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JonathanRossFit

Thank you Jonathan, and let us know when your book hits the shelves!

Activate Your TRX

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:42:00 GMT

We are constantly surprised at the stories people share with us on how they came to discover the TRX, how they are using it in their workout and how the TRX is helping them achieve their fitness goals. We seriously just can't get enough!

These past few weeks we have featured some of our active community members.

These people have demonstrated that the TRX is more than just a piece of equipment hanging around, it is an experience. We want to hear about your experience!

TRX Community Featured Member: Janine McGann

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Janine is one of those ladies that can really get you pumped and excited. She has hit every challenge with full force. Not only is she a TRX enthusiast, but she has made it a family affair, including her husband and 3 sons. Talk about a fit family!

Brief Background Bio:
Live in Cary NC. Married to Mike, a former USMC Capt. who's now working in corporate America. Have 3 boys, Luke -12, Seth -11, and Ben -8. Own my own personal training business, P.O.W.E.R. LLC - Personally Owned Workouts Equal Results. Am a speech pathologist by education, but have been in the fitness industry since 1989. Always worked part time in a gym, until 2004, then went full time as a trainer. Just this year got the gumption and courage to quit and start my own business. I focus primarily on females, but have a few dudes that I just can't get rid of!!

How did you first hear about the TRX?
I saw an ad for the TRX in one of my IDEA issue back in spring of '08. I love new and innovative fitness programming and tools, so I took a look at the website. It was love at first site. As a former competitive gymnast, body weight training just makes natural sense to me. Always has. As the owner of a fitness studio that focuses mostly on females and redefining fitness, eliminating excuses, etc. it was the exact piece of equipment I had been waiting for! From the moment it arrived on the front porch it has been not only a part of my own training, but that of my entire family and now my clients.

What excited you most about the TRX?
Oh gosh, I can't answer this. Too many things. I think the same things that excite all of us TRXers - the versatility, the metabolic "rush", the RESULTS!! :-) From a trainer's standpoint, I love that I can preach about "no excuse workouts" and now have a piece of equipment to back me up!!

How have you incorporated the TRX into your workout routine/lifestyle?
It is an integral part of my own personal workouts and those of my clients. I was sold immediately on it. My husband, not so much. You would think after 16 years of marriage he would finally listen to me. In December '08 he ruptured his ACL and needed reconstructive surgery. I like to think things happen for a reason. During his rehab and recovery, I helped him use the TRX to keep the strength in his other leg and upper body. He also has 2 ruptured discs in his back, so we've been working on some core strengthening as well. As a former body builder, he had a bit of a difficult time making the mental program shift from past routines (you know, single joint) to the programming of the TRX (mulitplanar approach). After just a few days, he was completely sold. Ummmm, do you hear an "I toldya so"?? !! ;-) In my own routines, I love to fuse the TRX with w/ a variety of equipment. Two of my favorite workouts are water running and TRXing and TRX/BOSU Fusion. My boys are hysterical on the TRX. Oh to have the core stength of an 8 year old!! My 11 and 12 y/o both play high level soccer. They love a good competition, so when Fitnessanywhere started their monthly challenges, my boys couldn't help but jump right in.

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?
We've converted our garage into my studio. We have a 10' pull up bar that runs the width of the garage. I have all of my TRXs hanging from that. We also have an amazing park by our house with limitless places to hang it from. As well as some cool overhead lattice at our pool.

What are your fitness goals?
Gosh, it's just been a part of my life for so long that I have no "real" goals. For awhile fitness was very "goal based", first as a gymnast, then a runner. About 2 years ago, when I began to have some hip and back problems (I live in a well worn model and have no interest in trading in for a new version or pieces or parts!!) I was forced to change my focus. Now, it's all about balance. Fitness is no longer a means to an end, whether it be a certain size, weight, time, distance, or race but instead, a journey. I'm keenly aware of the messages my body sends me now. I listen and respond appropriately. I have found this allows me to continue to do what I love (TRXing!!!).

How do you stay motivated?
That's easy. My boys. My husband and I both agree that when it comes to raising our boys, actions speak louder than words. Even before we had children, fitness was such a cornerstone in defining who we were. There was never a question, that even after having children, this would change. Creativity and priorities become crucial factors in determining how to make it all work. It is so important to both of us that our boys are being raised with the notion that you're SUPPOSED to run 26.2 miles, that your SUPPOSED to have TRXs hanging from your garage ceiling, that you're SUPPOSED to wake up and start your day at 5:00am lifting weights, throwing kettlebells around and jumping rope. I know if I stop or slack off any time, I am giving them permission to do the same. More importantly, our hope is that they see BOTH of us maintaining a healthy well balanced lifestyle. So that some day, when they are married, and come home from work and there's no dinner, laundry piled everywhere and kids screaming and their wife says "I need to go for a run", they will simply step over the laundry, grab a kid, kiss their wife and say, "Go."

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?
My definition of fitness has morphed so many times over the years. What I defined as "fit" in my 20s, was drastically different in my 30s and continues to change as I enter my 40s. I think where people get into trouble is in holding on to this preconceived notion of what being fit is. We must be able to let go of past definitions and embrace new ones. For a lot of women my age, sports were nonexistant when we were young, our mothers certainly weren't in the gym working out (and if they were, like mine was, it looked more like "Jane Fonda/Richard Simmons" workouts!!) and we simply didn't have a clear definition of being fit. Even today, I believe that women think that fitness is either defined by competing "in" something, whether it be a 5k, marathon, triathalon, etc. or by being a certain size or shape. My daily battle in my job is to help and encourage women to redefine what it means to be fit. To help define fit, we do what I call a "stool check" every day. Nope, not that kind of stool, although it is important to check that as well. :-) Are all 4 legs of your stool balanced on a daily basis?? Your family leg, work leg, health and well being leg and your spiritual leg. This past month on my website I asked women to send me their definitions of what it meant to be fit. One woman's response:
Fitness: a means to achieve a sense of our own well being– physically (in good health and physique), mentally (strong state of mind) and spiritually (having strong faith and sound soul). Everything we do to achieve fitness gives us the knowledge to know ourselves intimately, the ability to love ourselves for who we are, and the power to maintain that sense throughout our lifetime and through everything that life throws at us.
I couldn't have said it better myself.

Anything else you would like to add?
I am currently training 2 teams of women to compete in the USMC Ultimate Mud Run Challenge. It's a 4.2 mile run w/ 29 obstacles along the way. Now if that's not the ultimate definition of being fit, I don't know what is!! We are quite the eclectic mix of women. Trying to redefine fitness, while balancing work, children and life. We are making a video scrapbook of our journey to race day. The TRX will be a critical element from now until Septmeber 19!!

Janine can be found in the community as Janine (easy to remember :) ) and elsewhere online:
www.power4me.com
j9mcgann on youtube

Thank you Janine and good luck on the USMC Ultimate Mud Run Challenge.

TRX Community Featured Member: Max Koneczny

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Max has been an active member of our TRX community for a year now. He is very enthusiastic and always willing to pipe up and help where appropriate. Here's what Max has to say.

Born in England on Sept 19, 1988. At the age of 9 I started to suffer from digestive tract issues (don't worry if you're eating, no details). These issues disrupted my schooling. The doctors treated me through various restrictive diets and medications, which mostly made it worse. At 15 it had got to such a stage that I had to stop attending school, and was educated over the internet. Since I could not accept living like that I started to look for alternative cures, and thought I should try exercise. I went to the book store and bought some books about it, started exercising in my room, and my health finally started to improve. At 16 I joined the local gym, and the improvement continued. But there was one problem; when I got worse, as I do from time to time, I wasn't able to get to the gym and got worse still. At 18 I found the TRX and, using it regularly, my health that summer was better than for 9 years! Under the Doctor's guidance I discontinued all treatments, and despite a few bad periods my health has been so much better, so last year I was discharged from hospital.

How did you first hear about the TRX?

I saw Randy on Fox & Friends spring 2007, showing off his Travel X. It looked interesting so I went to www.travelfit.com (shows how long ago it was) and read most of the website. I was going to visit America for the first time 2 weeks later, so I quickly phoned one of our hosts to ask if they could take a delivery for me, and they agreed.

What excited you most about the TRX?

Going to the gym used to take 2 hours, so it was very difficult to make the time to visit more than 2 times a week, especially when I wasn't well. I had started to exercise at home when I did not get to the gym, but there was a limit to what I could do. I believed that the TRX could really enhance my workouts at home, and allow me to exercise a lot more often. Correct on both counts. I didn't expect how the TRX would allow me to do so much more in less time.

How have you incorporated the TRX into your workout routine/lifestyle?

At first I thought it would just be for when I could not get to the gym. Well, scratch that plan. I now use the TRX as the core of my workout routine along with a few other items. Since the TRX workouts are shorter it also allows me to still get a workout in on all but the busiest of days.

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?

My bedroom, I just have to move my futon, slip the door anchor into the wallmount and everything is ready. When I get to college I may well use it more outside, at least in the warmer months. Hopefully making converts of passersby's.

What are your fitness goals?

My current horizon goals are to improve my health; lose my remaining belly fat (which not only helps with the first but looks good too). Over the horizon I hope to just keep improving those two, and also get stronger, greater endurance, and overall just great functional fitness, which is what the TRX is made for!

How do you stay motivated?

I set myself goals I want to achieve. But really my main motivation is coming on this site. Really helps me, since I feel some what accountable. How could I talk so much about the TRX if I wasn't using it? I'd feel like a fraud. Now if only I worked out as hard as I typed on here....

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?

It means being the best you can be. Being able to give 100%, and while others fall by the wayside, being able to give that extra 10% to ensure completion of the goal.
It's important to me because it helps me overcome health issues, and will prevent other health issues from developing and disrupting my life.

Anything else you would like to add?

I am now about to go College in Casper, Wyoming; to study physical education, something that at 15 I thought my health would never allow me to do. So Thank You TRX for playing a huge role in allowing some of my dreams to come true.

Max can be found in the community as MaxKon and online at:

http://www.facebook.com/maxkon
http://www.myspace.com/maxkon

TRX Community Featured Employee: Nicole Gillett

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT

There are many people who are working behind the scenes to ensure that people get trained, products get sent and everything runs smoothly. Nicole Gillett is one of those people, not only keeping everyone in line at the office, but also manages the TRX Training Center in San Francisco and is one of the top instructors.

Nicole Gillett

I started at FAI in Feb, 2007 as the tradeshow coordinator, after a brief stint at a political PR career. The job was on craigslist and this whole Fitness thing sounded pretty interesting. Although when I arrived at the interview (on Taraval street out in the boondocks of SF), I was slightly skeptical. But I fell in love with the team and the TRX. I believe I was employee number 10; within a few months, we were at about 20 people and if you were late for work, you were stuck working on a box instead of at your desk. Luckily, working the tradeshow circuit, I was on the road a lot. Soon I moved into our Events Management role and the following April, I took on the job of being a "Project Manager", working directly for Randy tackling different projects and problem areas in the company.

Where did you first hear of the TRX:
When I interviewed for the job. I had never heard of it before, and I immediately fell in love with it. The day after my first workout, it hurt to laugh.

What excited you most about the TRX:
It was new, exciting and truly different. People latched on to it immediately. I loved that I was able to take it with me anywhere and it was always a conversation starter. The inherent qualities of Fitness Anywhere (authentic, best in class and fun) are also qualities of the TRX. It's amazing that you can kick your ass with a set of straps. And I've never, ever found a better core workout.

How have you incorporated the TRX?
That would be an understatement. I've hung up my "gym rat" title, trading it for a more outdoor focused lifestyle. (Living in SF as opposed to Boston helps). Because of the TRX and my increased fitness level, I completed my first marathon and triathlon last year, and I've gotten stronger, leaner and fitter. I am outside more. I'm more active. My "gym" is Crissy Field, the Lyon Street Steps and the Presidio. My 75 year old dad uses it and my boyfriend, a former collegiate athlete, loves it. I am on the TRX, literally every day.

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?
At the TRX Traning Center, of course! But if not there, I usually use it at the Lyon Street Steps. Hang it at the top of the stairs on Broadway St, do the stairs from hell, and get my TRX work in at the top. Do it again. Incredible circuit based training. My workout is interrupted more than once however with curious onlookers :)

What are your fitness goals?
Now that I've completed my first marathon, I'm totally on board with the running thing. My next Marathon is in October and I hope to improve my time this year. And my secret weakness has recently been revealed by my boss: I cannot do a pull-up. That's next on my list, or else I'm getting downgraded on my review ;)

How do you stay motivated?
This is going to sound strange, but I don't actually need motivation to work out on the TRX. I look forward to my workout each day. Plus I try to motivate others, which naturally helps motivate me. It does help to set goals and to have a work out "buddy" to challenge yourself with (thanks Jennie!) Plus, working for the company helps; encouragment is key!

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?
I think being fit is all about balance. You can be physically fit, but not mentally fit, and I think it is important to keep things in perspective. We all would love to have 6-pack abs, but I know that I love my glass of wine at the end of a long week. Would I be willing to give that up in order to achieve a fitness model body? Nah. I'm pretty happy with my "level of fitness" and I think part of that comes from goal setting, maintaining balance and having a great support team in my life.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give people?
The first time you do anything it feels weird. Especially the TRX! But soon it becomes second nature and you'll be a TRX junkie in no time.

Thanks Nicole! We'll see you at the TRX Training Center!

TRX Community Featured Member: Michael and Rebecca Sweeney

Fitness Anywhere — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT

This week's featured member is actually a couple. Michael and Rebecca Sweeney incorporated the TRX into their daily workout routine and quickly became fans. Now they utilize the TRX at their martial arts studio, dedicating an area specific for suspension training.

How did you first hear about the TRX?

We were first introduced to the TRX by a student and friend of ours, Taylor Simon, who owns a local fitness studio called Taylored Training. He was using the TRX to train a number of his clients and when we inquired about the device he brought one to our Martial Arts School and gave us a brief demonstration.

What excited you most about the TRX?

Although our first impression was positive, our TRX actually sat unused for at least a couple of months. Because we had no real training in how to use the TRX, we had no idea about its real potential. Ultimately we got smart and arranged for our friend Taylor to run us through a full workout. That is when our eyes lit up and we got excited! We ordered some DVDs and scheduled ourselves to attend a STC taught by Fraser Quelch. The education made all the difference!

How have you incorporated the TRX into your workout routine/lifestyle?

For a period of at least 12 months, the TRX was the only strength training that we did. We were religious in running through the military program, or at least the TRX component of it. When we needed to mix it up we sought out workouts from other Fitness Anywhere DVDs, as well as workouts from the community Blog and Forums. Only recently have we reintroduced weight training into our fitness regime, inspired as well by the Fitness Anywhere Community Forum. One significant benefit of the TRX that we really enjoy is the simplicity of altering resistance and intensity. Because we work out together, and our strength and endurance levels are not entirely equal, it is infinitely easier for us to switch back and forth with a TRX than it is to alternate between traditional weight training exercises.

Where do you typically workout using your TRX?

We run a Martial Arts School full time and because we have an area set aside for suspension training, working out there is easy for us. We do enjoy mixing it up though and getting outside from time to time, and we also always pack our TRX when we are traveling.

What are your fitness goals?

Our lifestyle is fitness and it is important for us to keep in shape for both personal and professional reasons. With that said, we don’t have any concrete goals. We prefer to make fitness just a part of who we are, and enjoy the process of working out for its own sake.

How do you stay motivated?

We have the best motivation going... each other. Sorry if that sounds sappy but it’s true. A workout partner can be super helpful in keeping you on track. When one of us is down the other is there to lead, challenge, push or whatever it takes.

What does it mean to you to be fit and why do you think it is important?

Again, being fit is a part of who we are. We are both smart enough to know that to not only be fit but be healthy is the MOST important thing going. Those people who do not agree have not yet faced health challenges. The day your doctor comes to you and says that you NEED to exercise is not when you want to begin!

Anything else you would like to add?

We lead a fairly unorthodox lifestyle in what we do for a living. We are also in the midst of a huge new challenge. We are well on our way to divesting ourselves of all of our land-based possessions and taking off for a new adventure living on a sailboat and cruising the world. One thing is for certain though, our TRX will be coming with us. We need to workout and we honestly can’t think of a more perfect tool to bring along with us on our new home at sea!

Thank you Mike and Rebecca and good luck!

Mike goes by Mike Sweeney and Rebecca goes by Rebecca Sweeney in the community and can also be found online at the following locations:

Our Martial Arts Gym: Martial Arts Planet

http://www.martialartsplanet.ca

Our Cruising Blog:

http://www.zerotocruising.com