How did you become involved in the fitness industry?

     I studied theatre in college and after I graduated I was juggling several awful side jobs I hated while waking up at the crack of dawn to go on auditions.  I joined the gym initially to try and stay in shape for my auditions.  At first I was terrified to leave the cardio room, even though I didn't really enjoy it.  When I finally got the courage to venture into the weight room, I immediately fell in love with strength training.  I loved pushing myself to get stronger each and every day.  It wasn't long before I discovered that fitness was not just a hobby; it was a passion that I wanted to turn into a career.  I decided to ditch my various jobs, study for my personal training certification, and pursue fitness so I could help others change their lives through health and exercise.

 

Tell readers about your current position(s)/job(s) in fitness.

     Currently, I work as an independent personal trainer, traveling all around the city to my clients.  I also train part time out of the gym The P.E. Club on the Upper East Side, where I also teach TRX classes!

 

What is TRX?

     TRX is a brand and method of suspension training, which is an approach to strength training using a system of adjustable ropes with handles that allows users to work against their own body weight.

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What muscle groups/body parts are targeted in TRX?

     The great thing about the TRX is that it allows you to target your entire body with just two straps and two handles.  You can complete an entire full body workout on the TRX that is challenging AND effective.  The TRX also requires that you engage your core through every exercise so it's great for building up that core strength!

 

Do you have to be a fitness guru to do TRX? 

     Definitely not!  The TRX is wonderful for both beginners AND advanced athletes because the user is completely in control of how challenging each exercise is. To add or decrease resistance on the TRX, you simply adjust your body position. There are also tons of regressions and progressions for nearly every exercise to make it easier or more difficult.

 

Why is TRX a great addition to a fitness plan?

     The TRX is a great addition because it provides endless possibilities with one piece of equipment.  For a relatively cheap price, you can have the ability to workout your entire body with an item that can fit inside a bag.  Its way less expensive and more practical than buying an entire set of dumbbells!  You can also hook up a TRX anywhere, so you can use it at home or even outside.  It's super mobile and convenient which is why it’s a great tool every traveling trainer should have.  Also, since progressing exercises is so easy on the TRX, it’s a wonderful way for a beginner to start slow and continuously increase difficulty as they gain strength without having to purchase new equipment.

 

If someone is interested in incorporating TRX into their fitness regimen, how would you recommend they do this?

     I would start by taking a TRX class.  You can check out my classes at thepeclub.com - we offer several different TRX classes in including TRX Bootcamp, TRX Total Body, and TRX Core Strength.  Tons of other studios in the city offer TRX classes now as well.  That way, you can learn all the basics from a knowledgeable instructor before picking up a pair of straps on your own!  You can also find lots of instructional videos on YouTube if they don't offer classes near you.  Most major gyms now have TRX sections so you can look up some exercises, learn correct form, and give it a try on your own!

 

What is your favorite TRX circuit?

I love doing circuits that hit your whole body!  One of my go-to circuits:

10 Close Grip Rows

10 Chest Presses

10 Squat to front raises

10 Pistol Squats, each leg

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Check out these cool videos of Miriam doing TRX circuits!

                             

 

 

What is your number one key to TRX success?

     My number one piece of advice would be to make sure you're pushing

yourself!  Since progress on the TRX is dependent on how challenging you

make each exercise, don't be afraid to push yourself to that harder resistance.

That's how you'll really see results.

 

Why is exercise a priority in your life?

     Exercise will always be a priority in my life because taking care of myself and getting stronger on the outside makes me feel infinitely better and stronger on the inside.  Exercise works from the outside in.  Most people start to workout to look better, but they underestimate the changes that can happen internally as you grow physical strength.  

 

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I know sometimes it can be scary to break from our routine and do things that we're not comfortable with.  But if you're really looking to make changes to your body, it has to be done!  As women, we're not always encouraged to strength train so it can be hard to get over that fear.  I was once terrified to do it myself!  But starting is the hardest part- I promise, once you give it a shot, it WILL get easier.

 

 

 

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