TRX, or better known as Suspension Training, was born in the Navy SEALs and delivers a fast and effective total-body workout. As we well know, athletes must engage their core throughout various movements in order to perform to the best of their ability. TRX leverages gravity and your body weight to perform hundreds of exercises all while keeping your core engaged. Here's a list of why TRX is important for athletes:

1. It improves mobility and flexibility by combining safe and effective movements

2. It builds lean muscle by putting the athlete in charge of how challenging he or she wants the resistance

3. The TRX straps are very portable and lightweight. 

4. It develops functional strength, meaning it will help you perform everyday tasks or sports skills. 

5. It benefits athletes at all levels. 

6. It helps build a rock-solid core. 

These are some key things to keep in mind if you want to progress into a stronger athlete. What may come hard at first, will eventually become easier over time. One of my favorite quotes is "success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." If you consistently use effective training tools, such as TRX, you will drastically change your athleticism and overall strength. Miracles don't happen overnight, and that's why we as athletes need to push ourselves to achieve the results we desire. We challenge our athletes to try new things and be the best they can be! If you see TRX straps in your next class or private lesson, look at it as a means to achieve success. It won't be as daunting, I promise. ;) 

If one of your goals is to run faster and beat out your opponent, then the simple yet effective "Wall Drill" is what you should be working on. 

What is it?
- The Wall Drill is one of the most basic drills to help with acceleration and teaching proper running mechanics. 

How do I do it? 
- The Wall Drill can be easily performed by placing your hands on a sturdy wall and your body will be in a start position of about a 45 degree angle. You want to try and maintain a straight line from your shoulders down to your ankles. Have your hips slightly forward and your chest up facing the wall. From there, you will lift one foot in a flexed position driving the knee upwards past your hip. Pretend you are pushing the wall away from you, and switch your feet driving the next foot down and back. You can start slow and gradually pick up speed, focus on maintaining proper form throughout the drill. 

What do I need?
- A wall, water, and the right attitude!

How often should I perform this drill?
- If you really want to see improvements in your running, you can practice this drill every day. Start by doing short periods of work, lets say 5 knee drives total and then practice holding the knee at the top of the movement. This is great for maintaining core stability and balance. As you progress, you can try performing the drill for timed periods of 30 seconds intervals. Depending on your stamina and form, you can modify the drill as needed. 

Is there anything else I should know?
- Remember to stay light with your foot contact on the floor, and posture is key! If you feel you are becoming fatigued and your form is breaking down, take a break and rest your muscles. 

Now take this drill and run with it!
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What are you doing to improve your fitness in the new year?