The 5 Best Suspension Trainers – [2024 Reviews]

Tone muscles and develop core strength, we examine this year's top suspension trainers

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

Are you looking for an all-round exercise workout routine that not only tones your visible muscles but also develops core body strength?

Using one the best suspension trainers will help you achieve your fitness goals by increasing muscular and joint stability while improving your balance.

Working out regularly with a suspension trainer can provide health benefits beyond your expectations.

You don’t need to be Rambo to benefit from this super keep fit system. People of all fitness levels can use a suspension trainer to improve total body strength while getting a great cardio workout.

Best Suspension Trainers

TRX GO Suspension KitLifeline Jungle Gym XTComCor Suspension Trainer
editorschoice
Mounting Kit:Yes, Two separate anchoring solutionsYes, door anchors & mounting strapsYes, mounting straps
Max Weight:350 Pounds300 Pounds300 Pounds
Routines:Two (20)-minute workoutsNoneNo
Carry Bag:YesNoNo

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Suspension Trainers For 2024

  1. TRX Training GO Suspension Trainer Kit
  2. Lifeline Jungle Gym XT Suspension Trainer
  3. Comcor Suspension Gym Fitness Trainer 
  4. TRX Training Suspension Trainer Kit Plus Door Anchor
  5. NOSSK Twin PRO Bodyweight Fitness Trainer

We’ve reviewed the top rated suspension trainers, followed by a comparison table and buying guide to help you decide on a trainer that will work best for you.


Suspension Trainer Reviews

Here is a selection of five suspension trainers that passed the mustard, so to speak, when tried by our team.

They were tested for durability, ease of use, available extras, and more. If you are looking for a suspension trainer, one of these 5 are sure to fit your needs. 

TRX Training Go Suspension Trainer at a Glance:

  • Mounting Kit: Yes, Two separate anchoring solutions
  • Max Weight: 350 Pounds
  • Carry Bag: Yes
  • Instructional Materials: (2) twenty-minute printed workout routines

As you may know, TRX are the original designers and manufactures of modern suspension trainers, so they have been making them longer than anybody else and know exactly what they are doing.

The TRX Training Go Suspension Trainer was especially designed to be lightweight and easy to set up in less than a minute. The idea is that this kit can be used anywhere, whether in the park, at home, or even in your office.

This kit can be set up using any durable door by using the included TRX Door Anchor.

Obviously, coming from the original designer, you can rest assured that the suspension straps are durable, the handles ergonomic, and the buckles fit for purpose.

For many people, TRX suspension trainers are the ONLY suspension trainers. They are considered by many to set the gold standard in suspension trainers.

Obviously, this is one of the best ones we tested. It had everything we needed in a suspension trainer and we found very little fault with it.

If you are looking for the best suspension trainer, whether beginner or pro, this is it!


Lifeline Jungle Gym XT at a Glance:

  • Mounting Kit: Yes, door anchors & mounting straps
  • Max Weight: 300 Pounds
  • Carry Bag: No
  • Instructional Materials: None

Lifeline is a reputable fitness exercise equipment company founded in 1973. Over the years, they have developed a reputation for cutting-edge innovation.

They pride themselves on producing professional grade equipment that uses only body weight to provide progressive variable resistance.

The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT is designed to suit the whole range of users from professional athletes down to complete beginners.

The two eight feet long, commercial grade suspension straps boast separate, non-scuff door anchors and strap-end adjusters. The ergonomically designed handles are non-slip and easy-wipe, with built in Easy-in Foot Cradles.

A separate, non-scuff Duro-Link Anchor is provided to allow you to attach the straps to a more solid fixed point, like playground climbing frame bars or tree limbs.

All of these items work together to ensure you get the most out of your workout.

Because the suspension straps are designed with a split anchor (each strap has its own anchor) the width of the distance between anchors can be quickly and easily adjusted at any time. This increases the range of exercises that you can perform with this system.

We loved the fact that all fitness levels on our team were able to challenge themselves on this system.

The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT provides a flexible and affordable suspension trainer system. The quality of the system as well as the many extras that are provided with it made this one of the best home suspension trainers on our list!


ComCor Suspension Gym Fitness Trainer at a Glance:

  • Mounting Kit: Yes, mounting straps
  • Max Weight: 300 Pounds
  • Carry Bag: No
  • Instructional Materials: None

This suspension trainer is manufactured in the US, and ComCor claims that it is the strongest currently available in the fitness equipment market.

The ComCor Suspension Gym Fitness Trainer has two points of attachment designed to affix to door anchors, chin bars, or other forms of anchor. Note that it is not designed to attach directly to doors like some suspension trainers.

Of course, if attaching this suspension trainer to a door is your only viable option at home, then a non-slip door anchor solves that problem and will allow you this option.

The suspension trainer straps are fully adjustable for different lengths up to eight feet. The EPDM Grips rotate to better facilitate work on your triceps, and the alignment of the straps is designed to prevent chaffing during your workout.

The ComCor Suspension Gym Fitness Trainer comes with a reassuring lifetime warranty against defects. It is an inexpensive and hard-wearing suspension trainer for the serious “keep fit” enthusiast.

This is one of the better suspension trainers that we tested and it is sure to stand up to energetic workouts over time as well as be able to handle the increases in challenging workouts that you will inevitably need.


TRX All In One Suspension Training System at a Glance:

  • Mounting Kit: Yes, door anchors & mounting straps
  • Max Weight: 350 Pounds
  • Carry Bag: Yes
  • Instructional Materials: 6 Page Full-Color Workout, TRX App

This package deal from TRX includes the original TRX Suspension Training Strap, TRX Suspension Anchor, the TRX Door Anchor, and a handy TRX Mesh Carry Bag.

There are two soft, ergonomic handles and foot supports for comfortable use and a broad range of possible exercises.

The TRX Suspension Training Kit is safety tested for users with a body weight of up to 350 pounds. It comes with a thirty-five-page illustrated workout guide to make sure that you can get the most out of the trainer.

This is the most popular model of suspension trainer, and is used by professional athletes and all branches of the US military.

TRX Training – Suspension Trainer Basic Kit

However, it is designed for use by anybody who simply wishes to exercise for health, whatever their current fitness level.

Because this comes with just a little more than the system mentioned above, it gives you a little more bang for your buck.

If you are looking to get a more diverse workout, you are looking for a challenge, or you need something that will stand up to more vigorous use, this is the best TRX suspension trainer!


NOSSK Body Weight Resistance Trainer at a Glance:

  • Mounting Kit: Yes, anchor straps
  • Max Weight: 325 Pounds
  • Carry Bag: Yes
  • Instructional Materials: Full color poster

This suspension trainer is one of the most affordable on the market and is an extremely good value for money.

It is manufactured by NOSSK of Pennsylvania, who produce a popular range of exercise equipment that utilizes body weight for your workout routines.

The NOSSK Body Weight Resistance Trainer is robust and flexible. It is designed to anchor to pull up bars, beams, rafters, outdoor park structures, doorways… even tree limbs.

The indexed straps and buckles are designed to allow adjustment so that resistance can be swiftly tailored to each exercise.

The independent, quick-connect “S” hook anchoring allows you to train with movements both toward and away from your body center line, while the integrated foot loops even provide the opportunity to exercise your leg muscles.

This resistance trainer comes complete with a handy storage bag and an illustrated exercise guide that includes twenty-six movements and three recommended workout routines.

As a bonus it comes with resistance bands so you can switch up your routine.

The main reason why we tested this was its price tag. However, we were pleasantly surprised by its ease of use and the fact that we were able to challenge ourselves no matter what the fitness level of each member on our team.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality and durable suspension trainer, the NOSSK Body Weight Resistance Trainer is a great choice.


 

Suspension Trainer Comparison Table

TrainerMounting KitMax WeightInstructional MaterialsCarry BagRating
TRX Training KitYes350 lbsTwo (20)-minute printed workoutsYes4.7 / 5.0
Lifeline Jungle Gym XTYes300 lbsNoneNo4.3 / 5.0
TRX Suspension Trainer PlusYes350 lbs6 Workout Routines / TRX AppYes4.6 / 5.0
ComCor Suspension TrainerYes300 lbsNoneNo4.9 / 5.0
NOSSK Twin PRO Bodyweight Fitness TrainerYes325 lbsFull color posterYes4.5 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Suspension Trainer for You

best suspension training system

Since Randy Hetrick began marketing his Total Resistance eXercise (TRX) equipment in 2005, suspension training has become increasingly popular.

The first suspension training equipment he designed was intended for intensive training by Navy Seals, but now several reputable manufacturers are producing a variety of suspension straps to meet the differing needs for a range of people.

Now that you have read our reviews of our favorite suspension trainers so hopefully you have an idea of what features to look for.

You need to know how a suspension trainer works in order to figure out if this is the best workout for you and how to choose the right one from our list of Top 5.

Benefits of a Suspension Trainer

Traditional training routines often focus on working just one muscle at a time. For example, triceps curls aim to strengthen your triceps and bicep curls your biceps.

Suspension training workouts utilizes more natural ranges of movement in multiple planes. This works your muscles in a similar way to how they are used in your everyday life, with your joints and muscles working together in harmony.

This balanced method of working out is great for improving your flexibility, balance, and stability. Using a suspension trainer works your core with every single exercise.

best suspension trainers

Suspension Trainers are super lightweight and take up very little room in a bag or suitcase. This makes them extremely portable and convenient to use when you travel around for work and you’re always on the move.

In fact, Randy Hetrick actually originally designed the TRX Suspension Trainer for himself while serving as a Navy Seal because he was seeking a solution to keeping fit when deployed to remote locations with few available facilities for exercise.

Suspension trainers are an extremely affordable and convenient all-round exercise tool. Today they are used by all branches of the US military as well as many professional athletes.

How Do You Use a Suspension Trainer?

Obviously, you need to develop suspension training workouts that are designed to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. Just looking at your suspension trainer won’t achieve anything.

You will need to follow a routine regularly in order to see the benefits you crave.

Suspension trainers are wonderful for rapid and effective exercise sessions for people of all fitness levels. Like with any exercise system, you need to be sensible in your approach.

Start with gentle exercises and routines that only use a few movements and then build up your routine over time as your core strength, flexibility, and balance improve.

Some suspension trainers come with a handy workout guide or even a link to a video showing somebody performing an exercise routine that you can follow.

Alternatively, you will find many “keep fit gurus” on YouTube who provide free videos of suspension trainer routines. But, of course, beware of frauds who don’t know what they’re talking about.

If you want complete peace of mind, you can contact your local health club or gym. You will probably find that they offer a course in suspension training.

Once you’ve learned proper technique from a qualified trainer, you can apply what you’ve learned in the privacy of your home and at your own convenience.

Features of a Suspension Trainer

A suspension trainer is made from two robust straps that hang from a fixed point, known as an anchor, and enable you to use your own body weight to exercise.

At the opposite end of the straps to the anchor are handles that may be used by your hands or feet when you perform movements fighting against gravity in a variety of different ways.

Slight adjustments in the straps or your body position can work your muscles in very different ways.

What to Look for in a Suspension Trainer

Although all suspension trainers on the market are essentially the same ensemble of two heavy-duty straps, durable handles, and an anchor system, not all suspension trainers were created equal.

Those two suspension straps are holding up your all of body weight, so you want the peace of mind of knowing that they will hold up under pressure. Commercial grade material is ideal. The buckles also need to be of a hard-wearing variety.

The handles need to be durable, flexible, and offer a good grip. Ideally, they should be capable of use with both your hands and your legs for a maximum range of possible movements.

Better handles will have a separate ergonomically designed hand grip and foot loop.

suspension training equipment

Suspension training kits will come complete with an exercise guide. Some may even offer a DVD or a website link where you can find recommended exercise routines to suit users of every fitness level.

Check the maximum capacity of the suspension trainer provided by the manufacturer and printed on the packaging or enclosed information sheet. Ensure that the maximum weight capacity is higher than your current body weight.

Of course, cost is always a factor. There’s no point paying twice the price for an identical product, or for a better product but you don’t need the extra features.

But, please don’t skimp on the price. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and you don’t want to come tumbling to the floor because the straps snapped or the buckles failed.

FAQs For Suspension Trainers

Q: How do I start using a suspension trainer?

The best way to start with suspension training is slow. Make sure you get it set up properly and then start with just a few exercises, maybe 4-6 of them, that match your fitness level. If you are just getting into a regular fitness regimen, your exercises should reflect that. Work your way up to more intense exercises as well as higher numbers of reps and sets. Chest presses and suspended squats are two excellent exercises to start with.

Q: What is the best way to set up a suspension trainer?

A: The beauty of using a suspension trainer is that it only needs a sturdy suspension point. You can use supplied suspension equipment that helps you attach it securely to a door frame, a pull-up bar, or even a sturdy branch of a tree.

There will be different equipment needed based on where you will hang it. If the parts you need to suspend it where you want aren’t supplied, they are available separately in most cases. Many suspension trainers are similar in several ways so the equipment needed will also be similar, if not the same.

Q: How much space do I need when setting it up?

A: The spot you intend to attach your suspension trainer to should be at least 7 feet high but probably no more than 9 feet high. Because you will be using a lot of space forward and back, the space should also be at least 8 feet long. Side to side movement isn’t as drastic but you still need room. Six feet of space from one side to the other is usually sufficient.

Q: Is a suspension trainer safe?

A: A suspension trainer is safer than many other types of exercise for several reasons. The first reason is that you are allowed to move freely. With gym weightlifting equipment, you are forced to move in a very particular direction over and over. If something isn’t correct, this can cause injury. With suspension training, you move more fluidly and in the natural directions your body needs to go.

The second reason is that you can automatically adjust the intensity just by adjusting your body position or how deep you go into the movement. If you are using weight lifting equipment, either free weights or a machine, the exercise or weight might be too much and you need to stop and adjust. This can throw you off but also cause injury in extreme cases. Even in the middle of a movement, you are able to adjust with your suspension trainer.

Q: What muscle groups can I work?

A: Suspension training is great for your core. The core, when tightened during your exercise movements, gets most of the workout. Your abs and obliques will become more defined, as well as back muscles. However, you can also work your upper body and lower body with simple adjustments to the exercises or by targeting them with specific exercise movements for those muscle groups.

Tips For Using Your Suspension Trainer

Getting the most out of a suspension trainer is fairly simple. It’s a simple piece of equipment with simple exercises that give maximum results when used regularly and correctly. But how do you do that? Let’s find out with the top 5 tips below.

Tip #1: Scale Your Intensity at the Beginning

As with any exercise, it’s important to start slow. Working your way up in intensity is important because if you start with exercises outside of your comfort zone, or outside of your body’s ability, you can hurt yourself. A setback like an injury can make it harder to reap the benefits of suspension training. We list some of the many benefits below.

Tip #2: Take Advantage of the Benefits

Size and portability are the two top benefits of suspension training. You can exercise in your own home with very little space and then take the trainer down when not in use. Even when you store it, you can do so in a backpack very easily. It doesn’t take up much room.

This is where the portability part comes in. Bring that backpack with you to the park to use a strong branch of a tree or a pull up bar at the outdoor gym. You can even bring it with you on vacation or a business trip to work out in your hotel room or at a nearby park.

Tip #3: Keep Your Core Tight

You will see the biggest benefit in building core strength if you keep your core tightened during the exercises. Of course, you should give your muscles a break every now and then. Take 30 seconds or so between sets to let your muscles open up, then tighten them again and get back to your reps and sets. Keeping your core tight also keeps you from straining your back from improper form.

Tip #4: Use Even Pressure

If you do not push or pull on the handles, with either your arms or your feet, with even pressure, the suspension trainer can move awkwardly. When it moves, it can cause you to be off balance. Make sure both sides of your body are moving with equal pressure on the handles or cradles.

Tip #5: Choose a Quality Suspension Trainer

The simplicity of a suspension trainer is deceiving at times. You may think that all of them are the same. That’s not the case, however. Because much of your body weight will be on the trainer at times, you want a quality product.

The trainer needs to have quality mounting hardware that is sturdy but also won’t damage your door frames or any other place you choose to hang it. The price tag doesn’t necessarily mean quality. Many inexpensive options, like the ones featured here, are just as durable and well-made as more expensive ones.

Time to Work Out

Read the above reviews and buying guide. You will see features you see as beneficial and some you may not see as necessary. Which one will work better for you?

The suspension trainer you choose must be capable of carrying your whole weight and offer the flexibility that you require for the range of exercises you wish to perform.

When you have chosen your ideal suspension trainer and set it up at home, follow a regular exercise routine and take notice of all the advice offered in any attached literature or videos.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you will see significant improvements in your overall fitness level.

Suspension Trainer Workouts

TOP 25 SUSPENSION TRAINING EXERCISES

How We Researched

To come up with the top suspension trainers, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources


I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best suspension trainer to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a trainer I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Have fun and enjoy your workout!

Notice:

BestWomensWorkouts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. BestWomensWorkouts earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

Ericka Parker

Ericka started her career as a personal trainer over 20 years ago and her goal was to help people become healthy, happy and fit. To do this she would find out their goals and provide the tools and routines to help them reach them. As her career progressed, she added yoga training to her skills to help her clients achieve mindfulness and help with clients mobility. To help more people she started bestwomensworkouts.com to help other people achieve their fitness goals with advice, tips and fitness equipment reviews.
Back to top button