A Different Way to FIT In

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Cousins, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Brandon Wagner, a Total Resistance Exercise (TRX) senior master instructor was brought to Naval Station Everett to teach a class Dec. 17 and 18 for Sailors stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

The two-day course taught Sailors how to instruct TRX and consisted of a level one course the first day and a level two course the second day.

"The level one course is a four hour course basically designed to introduce and get people familiar with the basic use, form and technique of TRX," said Wagner. "The level two course is getting them ready to teach, how to assess and how to correct others."

The ultimate goal of the course was to instruct the class of Sailors and equip them with the knowledge of the TRX workouts so they can instruct their fellow Sailors aboard Nimitz.

"They will ultimately be teaching," said Wagner. "Once they have the level one underneath their belt, which is a prerequisite course, then they will be taught what the proper techniques are, some of the science behind it and why we do what we do."

The intention of the class was to raise awareness and to have Sailors be able to instruct others about TRX so more can utilize it while underway.

"This class will give us a basic understanding so we can lead group PTs and get other people to know about it," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Isaac Ungersma, who attended the class. "This way we can take some stress off the gyms while we are underway."

Wagner would begin by physically showing the group the workouts, then, he would have them teach it back to one another. They would pretend they were instructing their peers while first being taught how.

"We have them actually teach each other using some of our cueing techniques, that way when they get out there in front of their [future] groups, they feel a little bit more comfortable teaching others," said Wagner.

Wagner explained how TRX is a total body workout unlike at gyms, where specific machines limit certain muscle groups.

"You're basically putting an entire gym into one piece of equipment. It allows you to not only work with total body exercises, but really with an emphasis on core," said Wagner. "The stronger your core is the stronger your limbs are."

Using TRX can be more transferable to real world activities and your job, he said.

"Whether it's on the battlefield, the playing field or whether it's my everyday life, this helps me to be more functional," said Wagner. "It helps me to be stronger in my core, it helps me to be more efficient through my movements and more durable."

Having completed Wagner's class, the Sailors are now certified to teach TRX. They will take what they learned and use it to train other Sailors on board Nimitz so they can have a different workout option other than just the gym while underway.

"It's for all ranges and all different types," said Wagner. "If you're looking at a Navy SEAL, I can put them on it, or my grandmother on it and both can get a great workout."