Back in the days, when I lived in London and being social was a thing, I was a member of a very fancy gym.

I always wanted to try TRX as this is an excellent exercise using your own body weight to elongate and strengthen the muscles. The gym had a location close to where I lived, so I booked myself a Sunday morning class and was looking forward to meet my “Sunday workout” version.

Tip #1 - Tell the instructor it is your first session.

I was hoping the instructor would point out in general terms what we are going to do. Instead, everyone paired up and the lady I partnered with knew how to hook the TRX bands and cables, so I just watched her and hoped it is was hooked well enough so I don't fall.

Tip #2 - Ask the instructor for modifications

He didn’t really pay attention to what I asked. He did however, focused his attention on me and started “hyping” or “ motivating” me to go deeper in the squat and repeat way beyond my body’s limits.

I, being extremely prone to embarrassment and already feeling overly conscious for being the largest lady in this class, pushed through and said nothing.

I kept doing the exercises, knowing very well it is not making me feel good and I am going to regret working at such high intensity.

Tip #3 - Sit motionless for an hour outside the studio.

I was planning on taking the tube, a short ride back to my place to enjoy my Sunday. But I couldn’t really move anymore. I felt as if I couldn't take any additional steps, luckily I spotted a bench outside the studio and I sat down and drank water, until my legs responded.

No, no one approached me while I was there.

I realised there is no way I can get down the tube’s stairs so I walked outside of the gym and called an uber to get me back to my flat.

Tip #4 - Have your co-worker push you up the stairs.

My muscles were sore for the entire week after my TRX work out and to top it off, the lift in our building stopped working the same week. I had to climb to the 4th and 5th floor during this week. One day, between the 3rd and 4th floor, when lifting my legs was nearly impossible, my colleague actually pushed me up to help me make it to the office.

All well that ends well -

The person I am now would have never been put in this position. Except for being older and wiser, I also don’t feel I need to apologise for existing anymore and I trust my body.

I trust my body and its cues more than I trust a young eager instructor who saw a plus size lady and instead of easing her into the movement took the chance to “get her back in shape”.

But the positive thing to happen from all of it is that now I know exactly how not to run a class.

And this experience alongside many others helped me get to where I am now and helped me understand exactly what I do want from my movement experience as a plus size lady.

My classes are a safe space. There are always modifications, for fitness level, for movement restrictions and even for certain days of your cycle if needed.

Unpleasant things happen, I am glad I was able to learn from it and not let it define me. After about a week I was as good as new, but I never tried it again.

xxx Moranna

Disclaimer:

Please note this is my personal experience with a specific instructor at a specific gym. I hope this was the strange one out and you all had great and empowering experiences as I still think TRX is a great way to strengthen your body.