Bodyweight suspension straps are an increasingly popular tool used to get a full body, low impact workout. These convenient straps do not take up a lot of space, and most are built to be installed over a door, making them suitable for most homes. Essentially, these straps utilize your own bodyweight in a series of push and pull exercises. Depending on the angle at which you hold your body, the difficulty will vary, making these a suitable exercise option for folks of all ability levels.
Suspension training is great for folks who are looking to increase core strength and balance. While there are a number of resources online that can teach you different exercises, working with an experienced professional may be wise when starting out. As this method exercise has increased in popularity, more and more manufacturers have started making their own version of these straps. We took a look at a few of the top options on the market and compared them.
Editors’ Choice:
TRX All-In-One Suspension System
Pros:
- The TRX can very easily be set up in a variety of spots, either slipping behind a door, attaching to a pull up bar, or even strapping to a tree.
- Equipped to support athletes up to 350lbs.
- Both handles attach to a single anchor point, making for a quicker set up and helping to promote balance and proper technique.
- Comes with a mesh bag for easy transport.
Cons:
- This is one of the most expensive suspension systems on the market.
TRX is one of the original manufacturers of bodyweight suspension systems and they still make one of the best versions available on the market. Their unique single anchor point and the ability to set these up indoors or outdoors help set the TRX apart from the competition.
Best Value:
NOSSK Home Suspension Trainer
Pros:
- NOSSK Home Suspension Trainer utilizes a small padded door anchor hold the unit in place between the door and the door jam.
- Value-wise, this is one of the more competitively priced items among the products we reviewed.
- Equipped with both handles and foot loops, making it easy to use for upper body or lower body work.
- Foam padded handles and adjustable straps.
Cons:
- This is only designed to be used with a door.
Available at a very competitive price, NOSSK’s home suspension trainer is a simple but effective piece of exercise equipment. Built to easily slip behind a door, this may be a great option for folks exclusively looking for a convenient way of exercising at home or in hotel rooms.
Contender:
KEAFOLS Fitness Training Kit
Pros:
- The KEAFOLS foam rubber handles attach very easily to the straps, with a mechanism resembling an airplane seatbelt.
- A small, sturdy door anchor is designed to fit between a door and the door jam, but can also be wrapped around a sturdy horizontal bar.
- Heavy duty carabiners attach to loops coming from the door anchor.
- Value-wise, this is available at a very competitive price.
Cons:
- Though this device includes both handles and foot straps, they are on separate attachments.
- Only designed to be anchored behind a door or to a narrow pole or wall mount.
The KEAFOLS Fitness Training Kit is a very straightforward, but effective bodyweight suspension system. With foam rubber handles and an anchoring system that allows for use with a door, a pull up bar, or a wall or ceiling mount, it’s a versatile piece of equipment available at a reasonable price.
Also Consider:
Lifeline Jungle Gym
Pros:
- Lifeline’s Jungle Gym features a split anchor design, meaning each strap is attached to its own small plastic lug designed to stay in place securely behind a door or wrap around a pull up bar.
- Each strap includes a foot cradle.
- Features buckles that easily allow you to adjust the strap length between 16” to 94”, depending on what kind of exercise you’re practicing.
- Lifeline has a lot of videos available online to help you learn various exercises.
Cons:
- Because of its design, you’re limited to using it behind a door or wrapped around a narrow bar, such as a pull up bar.
- Price-wise, this is on the higher end of the spectrum of bodyweight suspension tools.
For folks looking for a suspension system with a split anchor, consider the Lifeline Jungle Gym. Each strap attaches to separate small plastic lugs that can anchor to doors or wrap around horizontal bars, potentially giving you access to a wider range of exercises.
Methodology
Bodyweight suspension training is a great option for a lot of folks looking to get a full body workout with limited equipment. While these straps may be hanging in your local gym, it may be worth investing in a unit you can use at home. When checking out bodyweight suspension systems, there’s a few key features to be on the lookout for.
Where You’ll Use It
When comparing suspension systems, take into account where you intend to use it. Most of these units can simply be used with a door, but some include a more versatile anchor system that allows you to take the system almost anywhere.
Anchor System
Some systems feature a design where both handles attach at a single point, making for an easy set up. Other manufacturers tout their split anchor system, claiming it allows for a greater range of exercises. Take into account how you intend to use this equipment, and make a decision accordingly.
Handles/Foot Straps
Most systems include some type of foot strap, which is great for planks, lunges, and other lower body workouts. While some of these foot straps are built into the existing handle, others are separate attachments.
Cost
Generally, the more versatile the system, the more expensive it’s going to be. However, if you know you’ll only be using this in your home behind a door, you may be able to save a bit of dough by opting for a simpler model.
BarBend Tips
- Before investing in an at-home body suspension system, try one out at a local gym.
- If you’re unfamiliar with suspension training, it may be wise to work with a professional for a few sessions until you get the hang of it.
Bodyweight suspension training may be a great way to get in a full body workout without weights or any other equipment. Consult with an exercise professional.