TRX Rip Trainer!

[mittenkitten]

Some of you may know from the TRX thread on here that I'm kind of a TRX junkie, so I'm truly psyched about the TRX Rip Trainer - it's awesome for paddling fitness off the water!

I'm certified through PaddleFit, and they're doing some exciting things with TRX... thought I'd share this video so you guys could get a feel somewhat for the Rip Trainer - I don't own my own standard TRX, but I'm seriously considering getting one of these for home 

Look into it if you get the chance!

[spookini]

"I mean, we're not trying to simulate paddling here AT ALL.."

No kidding.    
Sorry, call me a grump.  I just don't get it.  
To each their own, though.

[sup_surf_giant]

"I mean, we're not trying to simulate paddling here AT ALL.."

No kidding.    
Sorry, call me a grump.  I just don't get it.  
To each their own, though.

Seems like a core training tool to me. Simple enough.

[SEA]

I bought the bungee's from TRX 20 bucks for one and made my own handle out of a big dowel and a few eye screws. I also use it with an old adjustable paddle.  Works unreal and is a good cross trainer for when I just can't get in the water.

[mittenkitten]

That's great, SEA! Yeah the TRX stuff is priced ridiculously considering the actual materials. I can't get on the water for months at a time, so this is a pretty good tool for me.

[SEA]

IT"S A GREAT TOOL !!!  thanks for sharing , I got mine out and am using it again , thanks !!!

[NoSaltSuper]

Very intriguing and looks simple to replicate, maybe with some exercise bands or similar?

Is the top strap necessary, or just for extra resistance?

I noticed the TRX trainer only has the bottom strap which seems logical, as you have to push against the top handle while pulling on the lower, no?

Having just been through physical therapy, I'm again reminded and amazed by the workout simple elastic bands can provide. Rather thin band around both ankles, then do side steps for 20' and your upper hips will be burning, quickly.

Anyway, thanks for the post, time to hit Sports Authority and see what they have, or maybe even Walmart.

[NoSaltSuper]

As in, Pulleys, Paddle, Rope, Weight trainer.

I was looking at the TRX and thinking, there has to be other ways to do the same thing. As a fan of pulleys for hoisting boards to my garage ceiling, I had a few extra lying around. This trainer cost me ZERO to make, as I had all the stuff, including a broken paddle.

What I devised could be easily recreated with: 2 pulleys; a rope/line, a weight and a "paddle" (a broom stick could work).

I just happen to have a Smith machine in my "workout room", aka the room I don't use enough in the basement.

It has pulleys for performing tricep extensions, crossovers and such. So, I tied a line to the base of a broken paddle, using a few half hitches, ran that line to a pulley I placed on the bottom of the Smith machine, up to the cable, around the pulley at the top, which goes down to the weight.

Pull on the paddle as if you are paddling, the weight goes up and you have good resistance, then when you go for the reach, the weight drops and you have to slow it with your core, then repeat. Or, listen to it crash at the bottom. It's a GREAT workout, I was amazed.

I then made it MUCH more difficult by standing on a Bosu ball and wow, let the sweating begin. It felt surprisingly similar to being on my SUP, sans sun and water. The Bosu worked the legs and glutes while the pulley system gave me a fairly similar paddle workout for my core. Once I got the hang of it, I could switch sides with the paddle without losing rhythm. Then, like on the board, if I lost balance fore or aft, I could use the paddle/line to help me stay on the ball.

Anyway, below are some pics and videos.

[Deadbait]

Great idea NoSalt!  I think using weights will help build some paddle muscles for sure. 

I just finished some shoulder therapy and have some extra bands.  Gonna have to come up with something that I can get back into shape with.

[SUPerstitious]

NoSalt,
I am in physical therapy as part of my recovery from my back surgery, and I am doing about 8 different variations of what your video shows. On Bosu balls, on one-leg, one handed paddles, pulling paddle across my body, etc. The goal my physical therapist wants to reach is not better paddling for me, but general core strengthening.

Try turning that Bosu ball over and standing on the flat side, with the round side down. That will kick up your workout like you wouldn't believe.

Then balance on one foot on the bosu while you paddle (reduce the weight). The core workout is simply amazing, as is the workout on your legs.

Good stuff. I love the creativeness of your setup!

[SEA]

Made a weight trainer years ago with a few pulleys, some cable an aluminum adjustable paddle handle and a power block with a velcro strap and swivel. I also flattened a swiss ball a little and placed some siding on it and used it as a balance trainer as well. worked pretty darn well.

[SEA]

Is the top strap necessary, or just for extra resistance?

I noticed the TRX trainer only has the bottom strap which seems logical, as you have to push against the top handle while pulling on the lower, no?

yes the top band is necessary and  used for extra resistance  while pushing down watch this video.

[NoSaltSuper]

Sea, very interesting.

I don't find the top band necessary at all on my "trainer". I feel the stroke is very similar in feeling to when paddling. I can push against the top of the paddle and pull on the bottom, with only the bottom attached to the line.

I also tried standing on my Indo Board and that was fun, but it's too wide and didn't feel as difficult as the Bosu ball. I'm still amazed at the workout I got from this and I'm feeling it today. Which is great!

One thing I noticed, the Bosu does get slippery from sweat, as did the cheap plastic paddle. So maybe some Monster spray on both? I wore shoes at first on the ball, but barefoot felt like a much better workout.

Now, WHY didn't I do this in December!!!    Oh well, better late than never. Now I can get a quick 30 minute workout without having to go to the lake.

[SEA]

Before you discount the top band try one first and do a work out with both top and bottom of equal resistance , then make your opinion.

This is what Jamie Mitchell uses as one of his training tools...... If he uses it I would guess it works Sure does for me.

[NoSaltSuper]

Before you discount the top band try one first and do a work out with both top and bottom of equal resistance , then make your opinion.

This is what Jamie Mitchell uses as one of his training tools...... If he uses it I would guess it works Sure does for me.

I hear ya Sea, I'm sure it would add even more resistance and workout. But the way my muscles feel two days later, it's not necessary, for me. That and standing on a Bosu ball, two bands would be over-complicated, "for me".

Maybe the difference is bands, vs. weights?

With the band, you would have little to no resistance at the reach, if you only had the bottom band. With weights, when you reach, you have to slow/stop the weight or it will crash down. It's a sudden feeling of resistance, requiring me to balance, react and tighten my core.

I'm sure either way is beneficial. I just went for the simplest method and to use materials I had on hand.

Have you tried the two bands, while standing on a Bosu? I imagine, that would intensify the workout greatly, not that it's needed.