We have TRX clients ranging in age from 18 to 80, all with different objectives, who are finding that it’s changing their lives – and they just keep coming back for more.

In this blog, we hear from some of our over 50s, who are loving what they’re achieving with TRX.

“Individual attention although we’re in a class”

Julia Chapple (80) lives in Exmouth and has been a massage patient of Albie’s for some years. She’s been doing regular TRX training at Hands-on Health for about 18 months.

“I like to keep fit. I’m no longer able to go to the gym because of back problems, but I can do TRX at my own pace, faster when I feel up to it and slower when I don’t. It’s a great alternative to the gym because it doesn’t affect my back problem, and it’s fun where going to the gym can be boring – with TRX there’s a variety that keeps your mind going as well as your body.

“TRX uses the muscles you’ve got, and works you aerobically too. For older women like me it means you’re getting toned, especially your core muscles and around the tummy, hips and bum, and it’s aerobic at the same time. And you don’t damage yourself like you can with some kinds of energetic exercise when you’re older. With TRX at Hands-on Health you have somebody recognising the limits of your body, and watching you to make sure you’re doing it right. Albie makes sure that the exercises fit my ability – so someone else in my class might be doing things differently to address their own physical problem. We get individual attention even though we’re in a class.

“I feel fit, and I do TRX as my body allows. It would be difficult to do some of the exercises you do in a gym when you’re not feeling 100%, but TRX is adaptable. So I can still do something, even if my back is bad, and it helps lift my spirits because I realise there are still things I can do.”

“TRX ought to be on the NHS!”

Getting yourself back to fitness after surgery is another situation where TRX is really effective. Ed Caudrelier (63) also lives in Exmouth and had a total left knee replacement earlier this year. After a friend recommended TRX for rehabilitation, he came for a free taster, and he is already feeling the benefits after just three sessions.

“TRX ought to be on the NHS! It’s absolutely brilliant. I was told that you can walk on the actual knee replacement half an hour after the operation – it’s the damage to all the soft tissue around it that’s the problem!  So TRX is helping me to build up the strength in the muscles around my knee that atrophied while I was waiting for my operation.

“Albie is brilliant at targeting the right muscles. My leg is already stronger and I have more mobility. When I walk upstairs I’m now putting my weight through my left leg – where I used to hobble up, I now walk up three flights properly.

“Just as TRX was recommended to me, I would recommend it to anybody – and I have already sent a friend along!”

“Jolly good value”

Henry Pryse (54) lives in Exeter and has had two hip resurfacing operations. He started TRX training at Hands-on Health in order to gain confidence and fitness.

“I wanted to use and push my body a bit more. I was cycling and doing a bit of swimming, but wanted to build up stamina, strength and endurance. I had been doing pilates too, and didn’t think there’d be time for it all, but I’ve been shoehorning it all in on my day off, by cycling down to Exmouth for TRX.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at my increased flexibility, and I feel I’m pushing myself into areas I haven’t been before. My core stability is improving (very important after having had my hips done) and I’ve even been doing TRX press-ups which have inspired me to keep some press-ups going at home – something I’d never have done!

“Albie is a very good instructor; he provides a very good mix of challenge and encouragement. He’s a  good communicator, relaxed, and adds a bit of humour to the sessions too – you don’t feel intimidated or under pressure – it’s fun! It’s also jolly good value – with three people in the class at the most, it’s much cheaper than one-to-one fitness classes.

“I needed something like this. I’m not interested in the gym, and I need someone telling me what to do – that’s why it works so well for me.

“There are endless combinations of exercises that you can do. I’ve just had two endurance sessions and I can really see the benefit. My walking has improved and I haven’t had any back twinges either.”

“I am now confidently on the road to rebuilding strength”

Even after years of poor posture and wear and tear, regular TRX training quickly pays dividends. Jennifer Kirkham-Sandy (59) from Exeter took up TRX on the recommendation of a friend and work colleague.

“I have been surprised at the speed of progress – each week there has been a noticeable difference – not something you expect when you’re 59!

“First I noticed I could hold good posture at my desk without tiring – no slumping in front of the computer! Then I could paint my toenails comfortably. Next an unexpected bonus – noticeably stronger breath control with my singing.

“Most recently, there’s been further improvement in posture and I’ve become aware of a skew to my movements to compensate for my weaker leg, which is recovering from arthritis. With help from my trainer Maria, I am now confidently on the road to rebuilding strength in that weakened leg.

“I have been delighted by Maria’s encouraging approach, to gently move me on to new challenges.”

“I bounced out feeling better!”

Shirley North (77) comes from Exeter every week with friends to do TRX at Hands-on Health.

“l always liked to keep fit, but after having had my second knee replacement, I found I didn’t get about as much as I should, and I wanted something to keep me going. When my friend suggested TRX, I didn’t think I’d like it – but I thoroughly enjoy it now!

I’d used a stick for four years before my operation last November, and it had affected my posture. Once I started TRX I felt an improvement pretty well straight away – I bounced out feeling better! And my daughter was pleased because she said my posture had improved.

“I feel fit. Albie’s very good at giving you tips, and TRX works very quickly, enough for you to want to carry on after the first six weeks. I’m sure my knee has got better quicker as a result.

“I’ve recommended it to friends – it’s great as a carry-on from the post-operative physiotherapy that you get from the hospital. Personally I’m thrilled to bits with it.”

If you want to see what TRX training can do for you, call 01395 224207 and book in for a no-obligation, free 15-minute taster session with Albie or Maria.

The post Over 50 and getting fit with TRX: “Personally I’m thrilled to bits with it!” first appeared on Hands-on Health Exmouth | Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, TRX fitness classes to help with sports injuries, joint and muscle pains, back pain, Exmouth, Devon.

Hands-on Health has been built, decorated and furnished with the principles of ‘local natural, and ethical’ in mind. When it came to ordering the branded organic cotton polo shirts worn by all members of the team,we went to Clothing Works, part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s Vocational Rehabilitation Service, in Exminster.

On Friday afternoon we had our first official team meeting, and took the opportunity to have a quick photoshoot (thanks go to local photographer Daniel Smith) to show off the polo shirts.

We invited Kim Hewett, Supervisor of Clothing Works, to join us for the shoot (she’s the one in the purple polo shirt). She said:  “It was a pleasure working with the Hands-on Health team and being able to supply their polo shirts. At Clothing Works we offer a supportive working environment where people can learn new skills in design, printing and marketing.”

Clothing Works provides vocational rehabilitation for people recovering from mental health issues. Since Hands-on Health is all about taking care of people and helping them improve their health and fitness, we felt that using a local organisation which has the same objectives was the only way to go.

Introducing the team:

Back row, left to right: Lesley Harper (nutrition), Sue Arnold (reflexology), Kathryn Vickery (McTimoney chiropractic), Samantha Shanks (reception), Angela Ashwin (yoga),  Aaron Goodwin (tai chi/myofascial release), Sue Lagus (reception)

Front row, left to right: Rob Deere (Pilates/personal fitness/corrective exercise), Ali Colledge (acupuncture), Sorrell Bootham (massage), Neil Richardson (yoga), Kim Hewett (Clothing Works), Albie McMahon (massage)

At our Exmouth eco-clinic, we offer a multi-disciplinary team approach involving acupuncture, massage therapies, McTimoney chiropractic, myofascial release, nutrition, reflexology, circuit training, corrective exercise, Pilates, Tai Chi, TRX, yoga and more.

The post Ethical and environmental responsibilities first appeared on Hands-on Health Exmouth | Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, TRX fitness classes to help with sports injuries, joint and muscle pains, back pain, Exmouth, Devon.

Not big, heavy, power-hungry machines with built in TVs. Not racks of weights, or bikes that don’t go anywhere.

No, the builders fixed a chunky wooden beam to the ceiling, and to that they attached three simple metal ‘X-mounts’. It took them about an hour.

The mounts are there to hold the exercise straps for our brand new TRX training courses, the first of which starts next Tuesday, 21 June at 18.45. TRX is a very different way to get fit and strong, as our instructor Rob Deere wrote on his own blog recently, after demonstrating it with us at our stand at the Devon County Show:

“Suspension training using the TRX is a unique training method in which the exerciser has either their hands or feet supported by an anchor point whilst the opposite end of the body remains in contact with the ground. The TRX has a single attachment point which offers the perfect mix of mobility and support to enable the training of strength, endurance and power whilst building balance, flexibility, core stability and coordination.

“Exercising using the TRX uses gravity and movement to create neuromuscular responses to changes in the position of the body …  The exerciser experiences these as physical work that integrates strength and balance for a superior and dynamic workout … and engages the core no matter whichever body part is targeted.”

Hang on, hang on (excuse the pun)! If you think that suspending yourself from a strap attached to the ceiling sounds a bit advanced and extreme for you, read on!

“TRX training is suitable for all ages and all physical conditions and is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.”

Several members of the Hands-on Health team tried the TRX for themselves on the stand at the Devon County Show, and all decided it was fantastic. And at least one member of the public who tried it there has already signed up for a course.

So there you have it. An eco-friendly form of exercise which can be adapted for anyone and involves just a strap, a mount in the ceiling and your own body weight.

An ideal course to reflect our eco-friendly clinic – simple, natural, effective, and, we hope you agree, fun too.

At our Exmouth eco-clinic, we offer a multi-disciplinary team approach involving acupuncture, massage therapies, McTimoney chiropractic, myofascial release, nutrition, reflexology, circuit training, corrective exercise, Pilates, Tai Chi, TRX, yoga and more.

The post Eco-friendly exercise? first appeared on Hands-on Health Exmouth | Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, TRX fitness classes to help with sports injuries, joint and muscle pains, back pain, Exmouth, Devon.