David Lloyd

TRX – or Suspension Training® as it is also known – is a new innovation in training where you use straps to position your body and then use your own bodyweight as resistance. TRX® is availble for everybody to use and can be adapted to any fitness level, simply by adjusting your stance to make it easier or more difficult.

The best way to get acquainted with our new piece of kit is to book in with one of the Gym team, or to book a place on one of the TRX® taster sessions, where the team will take you through some of the fundamentals behind the training principles, and identify some relevant training techniques, aligned with your goals. To book in simply enquire at Reception or the Gym.

If you would like further information on TRX®, please read on for some frequently asked questions, and their answers:

Q: Who will benefit from Suspension Training®?
A: Everyone can benefit from Suspension Training®. Because the user can effortlessly control the resistance and level of difficulty simply by shifting the position of their body, the TRX® Suspension Trainer is perfect for gentle rehabilitation, hardcore athletic training, and everything in between. Suspension Training® also allows for complete ranges of motion whilst training, which allows for a more functional workout routine.

Q: Is Suspension Training® appropriate for people who are out of shape or just beginning an exercise programme?
A: Yes, because the user has control over the amount of bodyweight resistance, control of the angle in which they place their body, and can control their stability by their foot placement (wide stance, narrow stance, single leg), which means it can very well be used by people who are not professional or performance athletes, nor regularly active. Suspension Training® can also be used to assist a number of movements that are too difficult for many out-of-condition users.

Q: How is Suspension Training® different from other types of resistance training?
A: Traditional weight training often only works one muscle at a time, which is contradictory to the normal co-ordinated muscle effort used to complete most activities. Focusing on only one muscle at a time is more likely to lead to overuse injuries and muscular imbalances, as well as to potentially limit strength and movement gains. Suspension Training® allows for the use of multiple planes of motion and works multiple muscles and joints simultaneously.

Q: Is it true that the TRX® is great for rehabilitation and physical therapy after an injury?
A: Many physical therapists are currently using the TRX® to help their patients recover from various injuries. The ease of adjusting resistance, functionality of using body weight and the closed kinetic chain nature of many of the exercises make it a very powerful tool for this type of use.

Q: What's the best way to ease into Suspension Training®?
A: To ease into Suspension Training® it is best to choose five to six exercises suitable to your fitness level and do a single set of each, working at ten to twelve repetitions. You should start with a less advanced resistance or body position and take the time to make sure that your form is perfect. Also take lots of rest between exercises. Once you feel comfortable with the movements you can progress a number of ways. Try to slowly introduce more challenging resistances, increase the number of exercises and the volume of your workout in terms of sets and reps, and decrease the rest you take between each movement and between sets.

Q: How long do I have to work out?
A: Twenty to thirty minutes of training on the TRX® is a great place to start. Adding sets, reps or additional exercises will allow you to slowly increase your workout time if you are looking to do so. What is most important to remember is that doing even ten minutes of activity is much better than nothing at all. If you know that you don't have time to get through your full routine, try to resist the urge to blow it off all together. You'll find you can still get lots of benefit from a shortened session.

We can section off the Clubroom with blackout curtains to give the room a more intimate feel, and when the lights are dimmed it makes a great space for birthday parties, receptions, charity functions or club dinners. We can cater for every taste and be as extravagant or as simple as you wish, at very competitive rates to suit your budget. Buffets start at £4 per head or another popular choice is a hot roast carvery at £7.95 per head. Alternatively three-course meals start at £15 per head.

Some of the functions we have run in the past include race nights, sports club dinners, three-course meals for up to 150 people, casino nights, birthday parties, christenings, and themed evenings including murder mystery nights.

For those of you looking for something special, we can also arrange a 150-guest marquee lined with silks and lit with chandeliers, to give any function that "wow" factor.

Whatever you require, however big or small, we would be happy to discuss arrangements. We can arrange everything you might need, from D.J. to hog roast or even a chocolate fountain. Just speak to either David Anderson or Adam Elvidge in our Food and Beverage team and they will be only too happy to help remove as much of the stress as possible.

Since January the Club has held a varied range of social activities for all to get involved in. For starters, we have held our ever-popular Quiz Night on the first Thursday of every month. To accompany this we have also seen the Red Arrows kindly holding a questions and answers evening for us, an incredible Steak and Acoustic Night, and more recently another excellent Comedy Night.

Moving forward into May and beyond we have a Taste of India Cuisine Evening on 11th May. Priced at £19.95 per person this is a great opportunity to taste some of the great flavours that come from that country, through seven different courses. Places can be booked at Reception or the Bar.

The next event, in June, is our Murder Mystery Night on Saturday 16th. This is a great evening comprising actors, group participation and a three-course meal. Priced at £25 per person this is again a real value-for-money event. Places can be booked either at Reception or the Bar.

When employing new team members we look for certain qualities, to ensure we choose the right people to stay in the business for the foreseeable future, and to deliver the exceptional team member service we all expect from your Club.

We have two new employees who have joined the team. Matthew Bulteel has joined us as a Lifeguard, and Hannah Arkless has joined the Kitchen team.

Matthew is currently a student undertaking his "A" Levels and hopes in the future to pursue a career with the RAF. Hannah has worked in various hospitality establishments, gaining a wealth of knowledge to bring to our kitchen. Both Matthew and Hannah are enthusiastic, bright young people and will make great additions to the team.

We really believe that our team members can make a difference to your Membership, and hope that they take pride in our Club, making a difference to each and every Member experience.