thedrifter
03-20-09, 03:34 PM
Functionally fit
Marines in suspense with TRX
Cpl. Heather Golden
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (March 20, 2009) -- Marines across Okinawa got a taste of a new training system Semper Fit is integrating into its physical fitness program March 12-13.
The TRX FORCE, or functional operational readiness compact exercise, suspension training kit is being embraced by Semper Fit as a deployable physical training tool.
Several Marine Corps Community Service Okinawa trainers were on hand for sessions at all camps to show Marines what TRX can do for them.
"It is basically an integrated body-based fitness program using body weight to do exercises, as opposed to sitting on a bench at the gym," said former Navy Seal Joe Martin, manager for the company that sells the system.
After completing day one and day two of a 12-week program back-to-back in one session, the Marines left with a few sore muscles and a few ideas to enhance their units' physical training.
"It definitely helps out with the (combat fitness test)," said Sgt. Kelvin Valdez, the supply chief for the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Electrical Maintenance Branch, who participated in the session on Camp Foster March 12. "It also helps with core strength and builds up muscles you don't normally use during a regular workout.
"I would definitely recommend it. Every unit should have them," he said.
The equipment weighs approximately two pounds and is comprised of a D-ring, several straps and two padded handles.
The military kit comes with tactical, olive drab equipment as opposed to the original black and yellow design. The kits come with a 12-week training program tailored specifically for the participants in the military.
The system is designed to mount almost anywhere, enabling service members to maintain their fitness levels no matter where they are, said former reconnaissance Marine Ed Sortino, manager for Marine Corps Programs for the company that sells the equipment.
"This provides an increased level of functional fitness, especially operating in a combat environment," he said.
The kits have been used in combat areas, hooked up to vehicles, doorways and buildings, along with a variety of other obscure locations, according to Martin. "It is totally compact, totally deployable," he said.
Aside from maximizing fitness levels, using the kit can also affect other areas of military proficiency, Martin said.
"Do the 12-week program before going to the range," he said. "It'll help lower your heart rate and improve flexibility and stability."
Suspension training is also safer than traditional training techniques, Martin said.
"From a medical point of view, anytime training involves integrated motions, the possibility of injury is a lot less," he said. "If the body's core is functionally strong, the chances of getting injuries are a lot less as well."
Integrated motions involve using an array of muscle groups to perform a movement, whereas traditional training usually involves focusing on a concentrated area of the body.
Units interested in scheduling a TRX training session with certified MCCS trainers can contact their camp's Semper Fit fitness coordinator.
Ellie
Marines in suspense with TRX
Cpl. Heather Golden
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (March 20, 2009) -- Marines across Okinawa got a taste of a new training system Semper Fit is integrating into its physical fitness program March 12-13.
The TRX FORCE, or functional operational readiness compact exercise, suspension training kit is being embraced by Semper Fit as a deployable physical training tool.
Several Marine Corps Community Service Okinawa trainers were on hand for sessions at all camps to show Marines what TRX can do for them.
"It is basically an integrated body-based fitness program using body weight to do exercises, as opposed to sitting on a bench at the gym," said former Navy Seal Joe Martin, manager for the company that sells the system.
After completing day one and day two of a 12-week program back-to-back in one session, the Marines left with a few sore muscles and a few ideas to enhance their units' physical training.
"It definitely helps out with the (combat fitness test)," said Sgt. Kelvin Valdez, the supply chief for the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Electrical Maintenance Branch, who participated in the session on Camp Foster March 12. "It also helps with core strength and builds up muscles you don't normally use during a regular workout.
"I would definitely recommend it. Every unit should have them," he said.
The equipment weighs approximately two pounds and is comprised of a D-ring, several straps and two padded handles.
The military kit comes with tactical, olive drab equipment as opposed to the original black and yellow design. The kits come with a 12-week training program tailored specifically for the participants in the military.
The system is designed to mount almost anywhere, enabling service members to maintain their fitness levels no matter where they are, said former reconnaissance Marine Ed Sortino, manager for Marine Corps Programs for the company that sells the equipment.
"This provides an increased level of functional fitness, especially operating in a combat environment," he said.
The kits have been used in combat areas, hooked up to vehicles, doorways and buildings, along with a variety of other obscure locations, according to Martin. "It is totally compact, totally deployable," he said.
Aside from maximizing fitness levels, using the kit can also affect other areas of military proficiency, Martin said.
"Do the 12-week program before going to the range," he said. "It'll help lower your heart rate and improve flexibility and stability."
Suspension training is also safer than traditional training techniques, Martin said.
"From a medical point of view, anytime training involves integrated motions, the possibility of injury is a lot less," he said. "If the body's core is functionally strong, the chances of getting injuries are a lot less as well."
Integrated motions involve using an array of muscle groups to perform a movement, whereas traditional training usually involves focusing on a concentrated area of the body.
Units interested in scheduling a TRX training session with certified MCCS trainers can contact their camp's Semper Fit fitness coordinator.
Ellie