By Brian Diaz
Last month we covered a version of the bicep curl, so as a natural progression, this month we will go over a complementing tricep extension. This move is very similar to the overhead triceps rope that people do on the cable column.
Start by placing a hand in each handle and fully lengthening the TRX Suspension Trainer. Standing and facing away from the anchor point, elevate the shoulder 90 degrees in front of the body and allow the elbows to flex, bringing the handles closer to the tops of the shoulders. The body should be straight from feet to head but leaning forward, pulling the heels off the ground for our starting position.
As you extend at the elbows, try not to let them lower or raise in comparison to the body (just like with the bicep curl), but rather push the forearms away from the body, using the triceps as the main mover. Your body will come to a more upright position, although not fully erect and standing, at the finish with the arms extended. As with most TRX exercises, keep the core tight and contracted with very little movement across the waist and hips. Eliminate any slack in the trainer at full extension by letting the feet drift more toward the anchor point.
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Brian Diaz is the head physical therapist and sports specialist at ActivEdge Fitness & Sports Performance. He is a Level II Certified TRX Suspension Trainer and a USA Triathlon Certified Coach. Follow him on Twitter (@JediTriathlete) or go to his website at ExperienceTheEdge.com for more exercise ideas.
