TRX vs. Weightlifting: Which One Builds a Better You?
Unpacking Functional Strength, Mobility, Stability, Balance, Muscle Growth and Why You Don’t Have to Choose Just One.
August 01, 2025
Written by Sally Larrington-Brown
A Fresh Perspective from IDEA World 2025
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the IDEA World Fitness Conference, one of the most dynamic events in the industry. Every room was buzzing with cutting edge training strategies, wellness breakthroughs, and passionate discussions around fitness through every stage of life especially for women in midlife and beyond.
A recurring theme across nearly every session from bone health and menopause to HIIT, hormones, weight vs fat loss and core training was the question:
“Is TRX effective for all ages and stages?”
And the answer was universal:
“Yes. Absolutely.”
TRX is not just a trend, it’s a trusted, research supported method that works for a wide range of people. And just so there isn’t any confusion, our RX classes are identical to TRX suspension training. So, let’s answer the real question many of you have asked:
What’s the Difference Between TRX and Traditional Weightlifting?
Both are incredible tools but they work in very different ways.
What is TRX?
TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) is a bodyweight based suspension training system created by a Navy SEAL to maintain strength and mobility while on deployment. Using a pair of anchored straps, TRX leverages gravity and your body weight to create resistance.
Unlike traditional training where the body is often stabilized by a bench or machine, TRX creates instability, which forces your body to engage more muscle groups especially your core through every movement.
Think of TRX as your real-life strength trainer. It's designed to mimic the way you move in daily life getting out of a chair, carrying groceries, climbing stairs with better control, stability, and posture.
TRX builds the foundational functional strength that helps you push, pull, and lift more confidently not just in the gym, but in life.
What is Traditional Weightlifting?
Weightlifting involves external resistance, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, or machines to challenge your muscles. It's been used for centuries to build strength, mass, and power.
Where TRX relies on balance and coordination, weightlifting allows you to isolate muscle groups, load them heavily, and track measurable gains over time. It’s incredibly effective for building muscle size (hypertrophy) and bone density, which becomes especially important with age.
Side by Side: TRX vs. Weightlifting
| Category | TRX Suspension Training | Traditional Weightlifting |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Activation | Full-body, especially core; emphasizes eccentric control | Isolated muscle groups; emphasizes concentric strength |
| Stability & Balance | High! Every move activates stabilizers and improves balance | Lower unless done on unstable surfaces or with unilateral training |
| Joint Impact | Low impact; great for rehab, mobility, and flexibility | Higher joint load; requires good technique and progression |
| Time Efficiency | Fast paced, circuit friendly, minimal equipment | Slower tempo, more rest between sets and setup time |
| Accessibility | Beginner friendly, bodyweight based, portable | Requires equipment, knowledge of form, and sometimes a spotter |
| Results | Improves core strength, bone strength, stability, mobility, functional fitness | Builds muscle size, power, and increases bone strength |
So . . . Which One Is Right for You?
Let’s reframe the question.
Instead of TRX vs. weightlifting, ask:
What do I need right now?
What do I want to feel stronger for?
Where do I need support—core strength, mobility, power, balance, or muscle growth?
Choose RX if you:
Want to improve core strength, balance, and mobility
Prefer a low-impact training style that still builds strength
Are recovering from injury or managing joint issues
Want to strengthen your bones
Love full-body, fast-paced, functional workouts
Choose Weightlifting if you:
Want to build muscle mass and raw strength
Need to improve bone density and joint integrity
Enjoy working with progressive overload and tracking performance
Are training for a specific goal (like power, sport, or physique changes)
The Best of Both Worlds
Here’s the exciting truth: You don’t have to choose one or the other.
In fact, the most balanced, resilient, and strong bodies are built with a smart combination of both TRX and traditional resistance training.
At CycleBeat Club, we love blending methods to keep your body challenged, your workouts fresh, and your results flowing. RX gives you the stability and control; resistance training brings the strength and structure.
Together, they help you:
Move better
Age stronger
Train smarter
Prevent injury
And feel empowered in your body every day
Ready to Find Your Strength Strategy?
If you’re new to strength training, or you're wondering how to shift your approach as your body changes (hello, menopause and midlife!), you're not alone and you’re in the right place.
We specialize in helping you build a body that supports your life, goals, and longevity not just aesthetics.
Come try a class, or chat with us about how to blend TRX into your personal program.
You deserve to feel strong, capable, and confident no matter your age or stage.
Let’s build the best version of YOU, together.
