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Finding the right running shoe can be overwhelming; the amount of choices out there is dizzying combined with conflicting philosophies about pronation, supination, heel striking, and other buzzwords thrown around at your local running store.
It's no secret that Marines love to workout, and while we enjoy running as much as the next guy (not really) we decided to review a pair of shoes designed more for lifting and cross training. So if you like to do other things than simply running long distance, these are the shoes for you.
The Nike MetCon 5. For our second review, we decided to continue the fitness theme by discussing a great piece of gear for Marine Officers. The TRX Suspension Trainer. Originally developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick as a way for him to work out in austere conditions while deployed to Southeast Asia fighting Somali Pirates, the TRX is now used by military personnel and civilians alike.  TRX Suspension Trainer What is the TRX? It is essentially two straps with handles that can be anchored to walls, doors, and other attachments. By using the TRX, you can significantly increase the difficulty of bodyweight exercises in a gym, home, or outdoor environment. The suspension creates an enormous amount of instability, requiring core strength and activation for every movement. Thus, while normal pushups may not be challenging for experienced individuals, TRX push-ups are a whole different animal.  Exercises are intuitive and easy to learn, and there are countless variations and applications of the suspension trainer. Five minutes of online research will provide you with a fully stocked arsenal of movements that can be done in almost any environment. And "any environment" is the name of the game for Marine Officers.  The number one reason why we love this piece of gear for Marine Officers is the portability and convenience of it. The TRX can easily be stuffed into the small mesh bag it comes with, and takes up minimal room in a pack or suitcase. It weighs next to nothing (about two pounds) and is essentially indestructible. In addition, it comes with an attachment for a door anchor, which means it can be used in pretty much any room. To use it, you throw the attachment over the door and close it, locking in the straps and creating a firm anchor.  TRX anchored to door While we wouldn't go as far as to say the TRX can replace a gym, it's an excellent alternative when short on time or unable to access a facility. The TRX is perfect for Marine Officers at The Basic School who have limited time and might only be able to do a quick workout in their room at the end of a long training day. Additionally, if you spend a lot of time on the road, packing a TRX allows you to workout any time any place.
Our take? An essential piece of gear for those who always want the option to get in a good workout. The TRX isn't overly expensive, however buying a used one works too because it's a high quality product. For those searching for a good deal, Liftr is a good place to look. |
