Written by Andrew Lenau | ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
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Suspension training systems in recent years have become very popular for people who prefer to work out with their body weight or at home. Suspension training provides a unique bodyweight workout comparable to a commercial gym.
Suspension fitness training systems are heavy-duty, anchored straps with sturdy handles and foot stirrups, which allow you to engage your muscles to improve stability, balance, and mobility. This formula also provides for an ultra-effective and efficient workout that improves flexibility, builds muscle, develops functional strength, and supports cardiovascular health.
When you shop for the best suspension trainers, the struggle lies in the number of them on the market and how many are poor quality. With so many to choose from, how do you know which option is the best option for your goals?
To make things easier, we have created an in-depth list of the 6 best suspension trainers on the market and a research guide and answered some of the most common questions.
6 Best Suspension Trainers
- Best Overall: TRX Full Body Workout
- Runner-Up: Recoil S2 Home
- Budget Pick: Pocket Monkii
- Advanced Trainer: TRX Pro4 System
- For Home: TRX Home2 System
- For Travel: Lifeline Jungle Gym XT
SFS Pick
TRX Full Body Workout
SFS Runner-Up Pick
Recoil S2 Home
SFS Budget Pick
Pocket Monkii
1. Best Overall Suspension Trainer: TRX Full Body Workout
The TRX Full Body Workout is at the top of our list as the best overall suspension trainer because of its high quality and incredible versatility. The bundle comes with everything you will need for your home gym setup, regardless of whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete.
The bundle includes the TRX Home2 system, four TRX exercise bands, a convenient mesh carrying bag, a TRX water bottle, a two-year warranty, and free shipping. In addition, the TRX Workout Bundle includes indoor and outdoor anchors and several extras, including a workout guide.
With the TRX Home2 Suspension Training System, you can work out at home or on the go. The sturdy design is made to last and reduce the worry of the adjusting mechanism slipping while working out.
The indoor anchor is made to fit on the top of a door frame, while the outdoor one will work well with a tree branch, a pole, or anywhere it can be tightly secured. We've used the TRX suspension trainer in a gym setting, at home and also at a nearby park and we can say that it's never failed to impress.
The hand grips are made from sturdy foam and can easily support up to 350 pounds. These grips are incredibly comfortable, won't slip, and will not cause blisters on your hands.
This is perfect for people trying to get a full-body TRX workout without sacrificing quality and features.
Pros
- Made with sturdy materials
- Travel bags makes this package incredibly portable
- Can support up to 350 pounds
- It comes with indoor and outdoor anchors
Cons
- No other color variations for this package
Featuring our HOME2 all-in-one fitness solution that fits everyone from beginners to advanced athletes, this bundle rounds out your training with 4 mini Exercise...
2. Runner-Up Best Suspension Trainer: Recoil S2 Home
One of the newer suspension trainers on the market, the Recoil S2 Home suspension trainer, is our runner-up for the best trainer. This particular trainer is unique in a couple of ways when compared to the other options on this list and offers unmatched performance in a premium package.
The Recoil S2 Home has a recoil system, allowing the lifters to quickly release, lock, and recoil the straps. With this unique system, you can easily set the length from head to toe, then lock it with a simple button.
The straps adjust evenly on both sides automatically without tangling, so you don't have to worry about adjusting each strap manually. The entire system is user-friendly, and anyone should be able to use it without trouble.
The RECOIL S2 comes with a bag and door mount, so you will have everything you need in one portable package. It also comes with a basic exercise booklet to help people get started.
The max user weight is 330 pounds, so you can work out without worrying about the system failing you while working out. While the Recoil S2 Home is a high-priced suspension trainer, it also provides incredible quality and functionality in a convenient and portable package.
Pros
- Unique recoil system for setting the desired length
- High-quality materials
- Nice grips
- Compact design
Cons
- Very expensive
RECOIL S2 is more than just a bag of straps. It’s precision engineered adjustment mechanism made from commercial grade stainless steel encased...
3. Best Budget Suspension Trainer: Pocket Monkii
The Pocket Monkii is a suspension training system designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind and can fit in your pocket. It offers a complete bodyweight training system that allows you to work out wherever and whenever you want.
You can easily turn any tree or elevated rock into an anchor point for a fully functional bodyweight gym.
Need help with what to do with the Pocket Monkii? Not to worry, included is free access to the Wild Gym app, which is like having a personal trainer on your phone. It offers 100 days of training and a free 21-Day Habit plan, all within the app.
This portable suspension system offers aluminum grips, which is a nice change compared to traditional foam or rubber grips. These anodized aluminum handles are more rugged than most, allowing them to withstand the most difficult workouts.
The texturing could be better, but you shouldn't have to worry about slipping. The Pocket Monkii comes with a high-quality carrying case, door anchor, and patented nano weave straps that have a 250 lb weight capacity.
It also offers easy-adjust suspension trainer straps with nine height options that integrate easily into your training.
Pros
- Compact design that can fit into a back pocket
- Solid handles
- Solo strap design
- Nice carrying case
Cons
- Weight capacity isn't the best
POCKET MONKII is a complete bodyweight training system. You can get as good of a workout as the gym, but now you can do it anywhere...
5. Best Advanced Suspension Trainer: TRX Pro4 System
The TRX Pro4 has built a reputation as the standard other suspension trainers are measured by. TRX states that the Pro4 system was designed for pros but also built for everyone.
It offers upgraded construction features like textured rubber handles to help prevent hand slipping and blistering and adjustable foot cradles that should fit any size. The Pro4 Suspension Trainer is designed to be extra durable with thicker, sturdier straps.
This suspension training kit comes with an Xtender line for use with both the door and wrap-around anchors; this additional line increases the trainer's functionality. Just like all the other TRX trainers in this review, it can be sanitized easily or tossed in the washer.
While this design is more likely to stay put in a gym setting, the Pro4 still includes a mesh carry bag and packs light. TRX offers free shipping, free returns, and a two-year warranty on all of its products.
So if you're looking to level up your fitness, TRX's performance-driven strap design will meet the demand and aid you in achieving your fitness goals.
Pros
- Foot cradles are adjustable
- Multiple anchor options
- It will last for a long time
- Adaptable for all fitness levels
Cons
- Velcro will eventually wear out
Designed for pros, built for everyone. The Pro4 Suspension Trainer™ is extra durable, designed for avid users...
6. Best Home Suspension Trainer: TRX Home2 System
The Home2 Suspension Trainer from TRX is one of the OG suspension training systems and is an easy pick for our best home option. Its unique design allows you to recreate almost every move you'd find in a traditional gym and power them with your body weight.
The TRX Home2 System is TRX's most recommended set and was designed to provide a challenge to anyone regardless of skill level. It can be set up anywhere with two high-quality anchor options, a wrap-around suspension anchor to clip to solid fixtures and a padded door anchor that can be secured in almost every doorway.
Unlike many brands, the TRX Home2 offers comfortable foot cradles that are adjustable for a custom fit. It also offers comfortable foam handles that provide fantastic grip and will last for a long time.
The adjustable straps offer a barrel-locking slide system that is reinforced to keep the lines from buckling and has a locking loop design to keep the straps even.
TRX also provides a trial of their Training Club app and helpful Concierge Team access when you purchase this package.
This is especially helpful just getting started with suspension training and needing additional guidance. The compact unit can be easily wiped clean and is machine washable, ensuring a sanitary workout environment.
Storing your new TRX Home2 is swift with the included drawstring mesh bag.
TRX is one of the few suspension trainers that offer a two-year warranty and free shipping. Ultimately, the Home2 TRX System is a solid home suspension trainer option due to its reliability and ease of use.
Pros
- Perfect for strength, cardio, and mobility in one
- 30-Day Free Trial to TRX Training Club
- 2-year warranty
- Great reviews
Cons
- Foam handles will wear out over time
The ultimate all-in-one fitness solution for everyone! The Home2 Suspension Trainer™ is a full gym experience powered by your bodyweight...
6. Best Travel Suspension Trainer: Lifeline Jungle Gym XT
If you travel a lot or don't have the space for a traditional home gym, the Lifeline Jungle Gym XT is a fantastic fit for you. This streamlined set is scaled down to be easily portable for travel yet highly versatile so that you can train anywhere.
It is perfect for users of all fitness levels, from beginners to pros, by using the lifter's body weight as the resistance. The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT offers robust, industrial-strength suspension straps that are capable of withstanding commercial gym use.
This convenient harness hangs tough and sturdy with buckles that adjust quickly yet won't slip during a strenuous workout. The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT has easy-to-wipe rubber handles and foot cradles that provide a secure grip.
What sets this apart from many suspension trainers is its split anchor system, which allows each strap to be widened or narrowed to accommodate varying body statures and exercise variations. You can even attach the straps to tree limbs or monkey bars with the Duro-Link™ anchor.
The package includes one large, full-color workout wall chart and a downloadable instruction video.
Pros
- Durable rubber handles and foot cradles
- Split anchor design
- Compact design perfect for travel
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Handles may be too big for some people
his lightweight resistance training alternative to weights and bands is easily portable for travel and extremely versatile so you can train anywhere...
What is a Suspension Trainer?
Suspension training is a form of resistance training that typically involves performing bodyweight exercises in which various multi-planar, compound exercise movements can be completed. These exercises are capable of improving and developing strength, balance, flexibility, and joint stability all at the same time.
A suspension trainer is typically an adjustable strap with handles on the end that can be anchored to a wide variety of objects. It allows lifters to perform bodyweight movements at varying difficulties depending on the angle of their body.
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Benefits of Suspension Trainers:
The main benefits of buying a suspension trainer for your workouts include increasing your core strength and functional strength, helping burn additional calories (fat), and improving cardiovascular health.
1. Increase Core Strength
Suspension training is unstable in nature, so you will constantly be engaging your core to maintain and improve your balance and stability. So every exercise that uses your own body weight will provide excellent benefits to your core strength.
In fact, a study showed that participants showed greater core activation while doing suspended planks on a suspension trainer compared to the floor-based ones.¹ So you can get much more out of an ab workout if done on a trainer.
2. Increase Functional Strength
Another fantastic benefit you can get from suspension training is improvements in functional strength. Compared to other types of strength training, the exercises you'll do with a suspension tool will correspond closely to everyday movements.
Instead of just moving up and down, you will also experience side-to-side movements, pushing, pulling, and twisting movements that translate better to your life. It has been proven that suspension training is as effective as traditional training for improving functional strength, power, and movement velocity.²
3. Helps Burn Fat
Suspension training is capable of improving your power, endurance, and strength. By doing so, you are also increasing your heart rate and contributing to more calories burned.
Over time, burning more calories than you take in can lead to fat loss and changes in your body composition. At the conclusion of a research study, it was shown that overweight women's body fat percentages decreased significantly while their strength and cardiovascular health increased.³
Resulting in positive changes in their body composition.
4. Improves Cardio Health
Suspension exercises have a plethora of benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular endurance, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure. When you work out within the moderate to intense range, you can see significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk and improvements in endurance.
Sixteen women and men completed both a maximal graded exercise test and a single 60-min TRX Suspension Training class on non-consecutive days. After eight weeks of suspension training, there were significant improvements in blood pressure and body fat, as well as favorable modification of other major cardiovascular disease risk factors.⁴
What To Look For When Buying Suspension Trainers:
Suspension trainers should be portable, easy to set up, and easy to use without increasing the risk of injury. As a team, we have reviewed what are the best suspension trainers on the market by evaluating them for build quality, material, features, portability, price, and reviews.
Down below is a breakdown of how we reviewed suspension trainers and what you should look for when picking one out for yourself.
1. Material
Typically, suspension trainers are made with sturdy straps of nylon and handles. The handles usually consist of a foam-like material for a comfortable grip or a texturized rubber for a good grip. The mounting systems and anchors are generally made out of heavy-duty metal.
We recommend when looking at product descriptions, search for keywords like reinforced strap stitching, industrial-grade materials, and sufficient weight capacity for your needs. We also recommend making sure the buckles, clips, anchors, and mounts are made of solid and durable metals like zinc alloy, stainless steel, or aluminum.
The adjustment system should function effortlessly and should stay taut without shifting or coming loose, which can potentially cause serious injury during use. To ensure cleanliness, look for a suspension trainer that is machine washable or, at the very least, can be sanitized by wiping it down.
2. Build Quality
A high-quality suspension trainer can offer you peace, knowing that you will get a great workout and be safe every time you use it. We recommend going with a reputable brand with a known track record that backs its product with quality inspections, proper manufacturing procedures, and money-back guarantees.
To ensure your suspension trainer lasts a long time, look for brands that use reinforced stitches and industrial-grade materials, and offer a high weight capacity.
In addition to strong and thick straps, make sure that the handles are made of premium texturized rubber or foam. The texturized grips will reduce the likelihood of slipping and will hold up much longer.
The mounting hardware and anchors should be created with sturdy metal while also being easy to attach and detach. Try to avoid suspension trainers with a bunch of velcro pieces, as they will wear out quickly, and debris can get stuck.
3. Features
The best suspension trainers can be quickly adjusted in length and secured with sturdy buckles or brake systems to keep the trainer from slipping while under load. Many trainers also come with additional add-ons, like a helpful carrying bag, workout booklet, resistance bands, and different styles of anchors.
Some of the higher-priced suspension trainers include adjustable foot straps and are padded to ensure good grip and comfort.
4. Portability
One of the selling points of most suspension trainers is their lightweight and compact design. They are great for people who want to work out from home or travel a lot for work. Some suspension trainers are even compact enough to fit into a pocket and can be taken camping.
When looking for a first-rate set of suspension trainers, look for a set that allows for easy storage and portability. A streamlined design will make it much easier to pack or store, regardless of whether it stays in a gym bag or comes with a carrying case.
An added bonus will be if the suspension trainer comes with a travel bag, different-sized anchors, and compact carabiners.
5. Price
The market is full of suspension trainers from various brands with varying price tags. For most people, one of the most significant factors they look out for is how much the product costs.
When checking out suspension trainers, you will see a wide range of price tags, ranging from $60 to $180+. When you're looking at the price when shopping for a suspension trainer, consider the product's quality and functionality when considering cost.
6. Reviews
When buying any piece of workout equipment, it is a great idea to pay close attention to customer reviews. This factor is critical because many suspension trainer brands tend to over-exaggerate the quality of their trainers and make them sound better than they are.
Some equipment companies will even create cheap knockoffs of popular brands to try and make a quick buck. To ensure you don't get scammed by these kinds of companies, we recommend validating a company's products by checking out the review section.
The review section is a great place to see both positive and negative experiences. It's wise to read some of each to get a balanced perspective. We also recommend checking out review websites, Reddit, the product's social media page, and Google to find more reviews on the suspension trainer you're looking at buying.
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Suspension Trainer FAQs:
Do suspension trainers work?
Suspension trainers are not only convenient, but they are fantastic for increasing muscle activation, joint mobility, and core stability. They are incredibly convenient for people who are looking for an exercise solution that is travel friendly.
As a certified personal trainer, I often have my clients incorporate the use of trainers in their programming. Suspension trainers are great for a wide variety of exercises and are capable of hitting every major muscle group.
Can you build muscle with a suspension trainer?
Absolutely! When you work out hard enough and have a significant load on the muscles even with bodyweight resistance training, you will start to see an increase in muscle thickness and the number of myofibrils. The most crucial factor is that the burden you place on the muscles must be enough to require the muscles to adapt and become stronger.
What are suspension trainers good for?
Suspension trainers are great for people who are trying to see the benefits of bodyweight training and core conditioning. Suspension trainers are portable, easy to learn how to use, and quite versatile.
Rather than focusing on isolation movements, suspension training works multiple muscle groups at once, which is helpful in building functional strength, sports performance, and flexibility.
It can also provide a great total body workout for anyone, regardless of age.
Is suspension training better than weights?
When it comes to building whole-body muscle strength and definition, traditional weight training and suspension training work equally well; ultimately, it comes down to your preference and what our goals are.
For most people, you will want to train with both as they each provide unique benefits to your body.
Is using a suspension trainer safe?
For the most part, suspension trainers are safe. Just like any other piece of workout equipment, there are some risks while working out on a suspension trainer.
A few factors must be kept in mind to reduce the risk of injury. Remember to ensure you secure the unit according to the instructions to reduce the risk of the straps slipping and causing an injury.
We also recommend purchasing a trainer with a weight capacity to support your body weight and then some. Before each use, inspect the equipment for damage or signs of wear and tear.
Also, ensure a secure grip by making sure your hands aren't sweaty or greasy. A suspension trainer is safe as long as you don't push yourself beyond what your body can handle.
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Summary: Which Suspension Trainer Is Best?
Using a suspension trainer system is a fantastic way to improve functional strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, as each exercise you do when using these straps would be considered a compound exercise. Finding the right one for your needs and goals can be confusing and overwhelming in a fitness equipment market saturated with suspension trainers.
Luckily, we spent hours researching the market and creating this list to save you the frustration. With that, our favorite, and in our opinion, the best suspension trainer is the tried and tested TRX.
We hope our in-depth guide to the best suspension trainers was beneficial in narrowing down your options.
Featuring our HOME2 all-in-one fitness solution that fits everyone from beginners to advanced athletes, this bundle rounds out your training with 4 mini Exercise...
References:
- Byrne, Jeannette M., et al. "Effect of Using a Suspension Training System on Muscle Activation during the Performance of a Front Plank Exercise." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 28, no. 11, Nov. 2014, pp. 3049–3055
- Angleri V, Soligon SD, da Silva DG, Bergamasco JGA and Libardi CA (2020) Suspension Training: A New Approach to Improve Muscle Strength, Mass, and Functional Performances in Older Adults? Front. Physiol. 10:1576. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01576
- Dolati, Mahya & Ghazalian, Farshad & Abednatanzi, Hossein. (2017). The Effect of a Period of TRX Training on Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Overweight Women. 2017. 151-158. 10.5923/j.sports.20170703.09.
- Smith, Leslie & Snow, Joanna & Fargo, Jennifer & Buchanan, Christina & Dalleck, Lance. (2016). The Acute and Chronic Health Benefits of TRX Suspension Training® in Healthy Adults. International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology. 11. 1-15.
Andrew Lenau
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