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Suspension training is one of the most popular (and most effective) new training methods in the world today. The unique approach to fitness—using your suspended bodyweight to increase the load on your muscles and add variety to the movement—can lead to serious functional fitness. If your goal is to increase mobility, strength, stamina, and endurance, suspension training is a good option to consider.
The beauty of suspension training is that you don’t need a whole lot of workout equipment—no weight sets, racks, barbells, benches, or kettlebells. All you need is a simple suspension trainer kit, which will run you from $80 to $300. With that kit, you’re ready to do a high-intensity, highly effective full-body workout routine anywhere you are!
Below, we take a look at the best suspension trainer kits on the market. We’ve examined each for quality, reliability, and functionality, as well as price. Read on to find out which suspension trainer kit is the best for you…
Contents
Up Front Summary
- TRX All-in-one Suspension Training: Top-Rated Suspension Training
- Emerge EX1 Suspension Trainer: Military-Grade Webbing for the Suspension Trainer Strap
- Lifeline Jungle Gym XT: Best Overall
- GoFit Resistance Workout Gravity Bar: Most Reliable Commercial-Grade Materials
The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT comes with a complete training program and instructional guides. The product features high carbon fiber buckles that offer great durability and can withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as a push button that allows users to easily adjust the length and begin their workout.
#1 Pick: TRX Suspension Trainer System
TRX pro suspension trainer is the brand that started it all, so it’s understandably the top-rated suspension training kit. Created by Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, the system offers everything in one:
- Two durable straps made from commercial-grade materials
- Two ergonomic textured rubber handles, complete with soft-grip
- 3 anchoring solutions
- 8 video workouts (on the DVD)
- 8-week workout guide to help you learn how to use the suspension training kit
- The TRX Manifesto to teach you about suspension training and why it works
The suspension training strap is easy to adjust, which is vital for a suspension training system (each new movement requires a different position, so a new TRX suspension strap length). The TRX trainer buckle system makes it easy for you to shorten or lengthen the straps.
The carabiner system also makes it easy to attach the suspension trainer strap to the roof anchor, door anchor, or crossbeam/bar anchor. Thanks to these three anchors, you can get a great workout wherever you are.
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to set up
- Versatile; the three anchors make the straps easy to use anywhere
- Comprehensive workout routine program via the DVD and instructional manuals
- Comfortable, easy to grip handles
- Portable, lightweight, and great for travel use
Cons:
- The TRX trainer handles are attached to the TRX strap, so you can’t remove them to add on any other handles or attachments.
- The TRX system is one of the priciest on the market.
TRX delivers proven results in less time regardless of your physical condition or fitness objectives. Our patented TRX Suspension Trainer and professionally created TRX workouts allow you to build strength, power and mobility -- anytime you want, anywhere you want. 
Customer Reviews:
The TRX bands have 128 customer reviews on Amazon and a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. Customer reviews include things like:
- “Good product and good service.”
- “It’s the best 20-minute workout ever.”
- “This system is fantastic. So easy to set up and use within minutes.”
Though the price tag is a bit high, it’s a good option to consider if you want the original suspension trainer kit.
#2 Emerge EX1 Suspension Trainer
The Emerge EX1 suspension trainer set is almost identical to the TRX kit, though it uses military-grade webbing for the suspension trainer strap rather than commercial-grade materials.
The rubber grip handles are comfortable and slip-resistant, and you’ll find the double cam buckles on the suspension training strap are highly durable. In fact, many users have commented that the Emerge system has lasted them longer than their TRX bands.
The EX1 system has a unique feature: a stabilizing ring that reduces the risk of the straps slipping. Though there’s only one anchor (for the door), it can be easily secured to a beam or the roof with a bit of ingenuity. The “Getting Started” guide isn’t as comprehensive as the TRX workout system, but it’s a good option to get you started with your suspension workouts. Check out the difference between TRX vs Ring Workout here.
Pros:
- Durable and reliable
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Great price—just $70 for the set
- Comfortable and easy to use
Cons:
- Not available on Amazon or other third-party sellers
- Limited user reviews
Customer Reviews:
There are no user reviews available on Amazon or the Emerge Fitness homepage, but a few review websites have tested the suspension system to write a review. Their comments include:
“Provided all of the great benefits of other popular models, but at a reasonable price.”
“Provide more flexibility, enhanced core focus, and greater mobility.”
“The best quality, best price suspension trainers that we’ve ever seen!”
While the EX1 system seems a good option to consider, the limited number of user reviews makes it hard to know for sure. However, you may find that the suspension system is as good as the brand claims, making it a great affordable alternative to the TRX kit.
#3 Lifeline Jungle Gym XT
Lifeline is another product that provides more than just straps—it gives you a complete training program in the form of DVD workouts and instructional guides. The straps are made from commercial-grade materials, with buckles made out of high carbon fiber that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. The push-button system makes adjusting the length beautifully easy.
The handles are dual-sided, meaning that can be used by both your hands and feet. The soft texture of the handles makes them comfortable for you to grip, and you can use them barefoot or with your shoes.
Pros:
- Anchor points are designed to protect the doors
- Easy and quick to adjust
- Comfortable for your feet or hands
- Versatile, reliable, and good quality
- Portable
Cons:
- Not always available on Amazon
- Ends of the straps dangle down
- Some quality control issues
The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT comes with a complete training program and instructional guides. The product features high carbon fiber buckles that offer great durability and can withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as a push button that allows users to easily adjust the length and begin their workout.
Customer Reviews:
Lifeline Jungle Gym XT has 480 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Customer reviews include:
- “The setup with the Jungle Gym XT is much easier to use anywhere.”
- “The handles are comfortable and the solid U-shaped section makes getting your feet in and out a lot easier.”
- “I love the quick, simple, and yet effective workout I can do with it.”
For the price, you won’t find much better than this!
#4 GoFit Gravity Bar Bodyweight Training System
This suspension training system is intended specifically for use in your doorway, so it doesn’t come with a roof or crossbeam/bar anchor. However, the anchor can hold up to 300 pounds and is beautifully easy to install—complete with a lock to ensure it remains securely in place.
The straps are made of commercial-grade materials that are fairly hardy and reliable, and you’ll love the easy adjusting push-button system. All in all, one of the better doorway anchored-suspension trainer systems on the market.
Pros:
- Good price
- Works with any standard door; easy to mount
- Beautifully easy to adjust suspension strap length/position
- Comes with a pull-up bar included
- Comfortable handles with good grip
Cons:
- Non- customizable handles or straps
- Heavier and less portable than other suspension training systems
- Less versatile anchoring system
- Prone to defects and quality control issues
Bring Body-Weight training into your home using the revolutionary GoFit Gravity Bar.
Customer Reviews:
This system has 39 customer reviews and a 3.5 out of 5-star rating. Customer reviews include:
“Once the unit is installed in the door jam you will not be able to close the door unless you uninstall the supports.”
“This is a gravity system that will satisfy most people.”
“It was easy to install and works perfectly.”
The low reviews indicate that it’s not the best choice, but a good option if you’re looking for something fairly cheap. It’s the cheapest suspension training kit around.
Frequently Asked Question
Do suspension trainers actually work?
Yes, you can use suspension trainers to train every part of your body if you know the correct exercises. However, if you are looking to strength training they are not as good as traditional weight lifting exercises.
Where to use suspension trainers?
For ultimate results, you need to find a room with enough floor space and to secure the suspension trainers from 2 to 3 meters off the ground on a strong anchor that is able to support your body weight.
Is suspension training better than weights?
Suspension training certainly has its pros and cons compared to weight lifting and one of the top perks is that suspension training is less prone to cause unwanted injuries that are more common when it comes to lifting weights on machines, however, weight lifting does come out on top if you want to work out specific muscles and build strength in that area, whereas suspension training is more about exercise muscle groups rather than isolating individual ones.
Are suspension trainers good for beginners?
Yes. Suspension trainers are versatile tools that are easy to understand and use for everyone including those who are new in the workout game. Moreover, popular suspension trainer brands offer easy to use and adaptable exercise specially designed for the beginner user, so, if you are still in doubt, don’t be. Just do it.
