Last year, Diane Stafford made a choice: Either lose weight or buy a new wardrobe.
"I figured losing weight was cheaper," the 59-year-old Street resident says.
To accomplish her goal, Stafford joined Xfit Studio, a fitness center in Bel Air. There, she started TRX Suspension Training — a system of suspension cables and nylon straps that leverage body weight. The portable system has handles at the bottom and can hold up to 350 pounds.
"Some of the exercises are easy, and some are really challenging," Stafford says. "It's a lot of using your strength against the strap and your weight."
TRX Suspension Training, developed by a former Navy SEAL, turns every movement into a total body movement, says Bel Air resident Alli Stange, owner of Xfit Studio and a TRX Suspension trainer.
"It's great for developing strength, balance, flexibility and core strength," she says. "And there's always a way to modify the exercise or make it more difficult. It can be used for a beginner, right up to the elite athlete."
At Xfit Studio, Stange offers five TRX-based classes: TRX Basic; TRX Body Blast; TRX Iron and Straps; TRX/Pilates Fusion; and TRX Xpress.
Xfit Studio instructors also provide personal training and teach boot camp and kettlebell classes.
At least once a week, Stafford takes one of the five TRX classes.
Unlike running, TRX training does not hurt Stafford's knees. She can easily modify the exercise to be low-impact if needed, she says.
Even with occasional modifications, Stafford says she has seen a tremendous difference in her body since she started TRX. Her blood pressure has dropped, and she lost three dress sizes in five months. She is also stronger and more flexible.
"When I reach up for things on my shelves, I can stretch a little farther than before," Stafford says.