1 minute read
Key points
from Suspension Fitness
by YMCA Awards
Rate – a word on speed
The factors above include four of the five ‘Rs’ we usually consider when progressing or modifying any resistance exercise. Slowing an exercise down often makes the exercise more challenging as the muscles worked are placed under tension for a longer duration of time. This is a method often used in hypertrophy related or endurance goals. If ‘Power’ is the desired outcome then speed of movement must be maximal in nature to target the explosive fast twitch fibres in an appropriate fashion. In summary, in most cases slower is harder but if power is the aim speed is essential.
Load
If we are considering all the ways in which to make an exercise more challenging we could add additional load to the body. Certain exercises lend themselves to this idea and although ‘purists’ to the suspension fitness concept may find adding additional load to the body unattractive, this manual aims to supply trainers with many options to meet the many needs of their clients.
Foot support exercises use the equipment in such a way as to reproduce the forces similar to working either up or downhill. This is achieved by playing with the order of the ‘point of support’ and ‘attachment’ in relation to the position of the anchor.
