The Jungle Gym Trainer

The Jungle Gym Trainer is an invaluable piece of equipment which I incorporate into almost all of my workouts. A very simple concept - two long stretches of nylon chord with handles attached, which can be adjusted in length to suit the desired exercise Many exercises can be performed with this simple equipment, bringing in an extra progression of difficulty which really targets the core, stabilizing muscles. For example, most seasoned gym users will have totally mastered the conventional push up. With the Jungle Gym Trainer, the exercise takes on a whole new dimension.

The benefits of using the Jungle Gym Trainer, or the similar TRX Suspension Training Equipment, are endless:

• A full-body workout further intensified utilising compound movement exercises. Every muscle group in the body can be exercised, and as opposed to doing isolation exercises where a single joint is put through its range of motion, the Jungle Gym Trainer naturally lends itself to multi-joint movement compound exercises. These movements rely on the coordinated actions of several muscle groups to move two or more joints through a range of motion. What better way to perform a squat, for example, than with the Jungle Gym Trainer? Not only are the ankles, knees and hips engaged and major stress placed on the quads, hamstrings, glutes, back and core, but in addition the added engagement of a host of small, stabilizing muscles.
• The ability to carry out different work out practises targeting the different components of fitness. The Jungle Gym Trainer helps build power, core strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
• A portable and incredibly versatile piece of equipment.The Jungle Gym Trainer is small enough to be tucked away into any type of bag, whether it be the bag you take to work or the suitcase for your holidays. It can be used at home, at work or even outdoors, and you can give your whole body a workout without the need for any other equipment.
• Not only can the trainer help build strength, flexibility and core stability, but you can also improve metabolic conditioning. This means working out with the Jungle Gym Trainer at high levels of intensity coupled with short periods of rest, best done performing a circuit of exercises with defined exercise and rest intervals. Much more effective than traditional 'cardio' training.
• Ideal for all different fitness levels and goals. Whether you are new to exercise and want to shed a few pounds, or as in my case, are training specifically to improve performance in a specific sport, the Jungle Gym Trainer is a truly amazing piece of equipment. I have lost count the number of times I have been approached by curious onlookers keen to know more about or have a go with my Jungle Gym Trainer. Believe me, once you start using one, you will not be disappointed!

Here is a video demonstrating how the Jungle Gym Trainer can be used. Firstly, you are shown how to set up at home using a door attachment. With this set up, three exercises are demonstrated; rows, push ups and squats. Next, you are shown how to set up over a bar. Five exercises are demonstrated; rows, push ups, straight arm roll outs, single leg squats and hamstring curls. These demonstrations show how the exercises can be made easier for the less experienced users. Finally, there is a core combination sequence which can be used as a circuit to improve metabolic conditioning. The circuit consists of four exercises; suspended push ups, mountain climbers, knee tucks and pikes.

One very important factor to consider when performing lower body exercises such as squats is that the Jungle Gym Trainer is there to facilitate balance not provide support. Resist the temptation to use the straps to pull on to get lower down in the squat, and again to pull up again when coming out of the squat. The squat targets the glutes, hamstrings, abdominals and lower-back muscles. Focusing on good form and keeping these muscles engaged throughout the exercise will reduce the temptation to 'cheat' by using the arms to pull on the straps.

Below is another video demonstration which is particularly aimed at mountain bikers. The exercises come together as a circuit, which again is ideal for improving metabolic conditioning. The four exercises are; assisted single leg squat, push up, single arm inverted row and lateral fallout. In the demonstration of the assisted single leg squat, the importance is stressed of not using the Jungle Gym Trainer as a support, but just for a little extra balance.

I have had a Jungle Gym Trainer for approximately two years and as stated above, find it an awesome compliment to my workouts. Having always been an active person exercising regularly, the conventional bodyweight exercises such as press ups and dips were not challenging enough. With the Jungle Gym Trainer, I have been able to make these exercises more demanding and can now proficiently perform all of the exercises shown in the video demonstrations.

As with anything, be patient and build up slowly, working through the progressions of difficulty of each of the exercises and you will soon reap the benefits of this training aid. Once you have mastered the basic bodyweight exercises and built up sufficient core strength, you can begin to experiment. For example, I now balance my feet on a Swiss ball while performing press ups to bring an extra element of difficulty into the exercise, further challenging the core. It is also worth remembering what exactly your goals are. I follow a strict training schedule designed to benefit my preferred sport of mountain biking, hence the emphasis placed on developing a strong core. Whatever your goals and experience of exercising, you will not regret adding Jungle Gym Trainer exercises to your repertoire.