*We filmed several videos I’ve attached here explaining this better. There’s also a link at the bottom of this post with a short video from TRX we highly recommend watching.  

To start off with this, we recommend looking at what you’ve programmed and identifying what the strap length should be for the first exercise you’re doing in the straps. Cue everyone during your announcements at the beginning of class to adjust the strap length accordingly. After that, talk through the different strap length as applicable for your exercises. When in doubt, *mid-length* is your best bet (all of this is explained below).  

Reasons to Shorten/Lengthen:

• Experience the full range of motion for each movement (fully extend down for chest press)
• Accommodate space/height constraints (I have to lengthen mine a little more since I’m short while on the mat)
• Remove slack from straps to work most effectively into muscles (full shorten for row exercises) 
• Adjust for specific exercises (TRX abductors, planks, etc.)
• Increase stability (shorten for press or standing exercises)

General guidelines from TRX (watch our videos to understand where the straps should be for each of these lengths):

• Standing Exercises: Mid Length 
  • Example: bicep curl, lunge with overhead press, skaters, etc. 
• Rows: Fully Shortened Straps
  • High row, low row, bicep row, etc. 
• Pressing Exercises: Fully Lengthened for challenge, mid length for normal
  • Note: this makes this posture much more difficult. May only be good for veteran clients!
  • Chest press, tricep press, etc. 
• Ground Exercises: Mid Calf Length or Ankle depending on body type
  • Low row on mat, chest press on mat, V-Ups, planks, any core or glute work on mat, etc.

In general, mid length is the safest bet. I typically have to adjust mine a little longer that this for things on the mat because I am short. If you are moving through various transitions quickly, stay with mid length! 

Here is the link to the TRX blog & a great video (definitely watch this – it makes a lot more sense!): https://www.trxtraining.com/train/when-to-shorten-and-length-the-trx-suspension-trainer