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Suspension training harnesses the power of your body weight, helping you get a killer resistance training workout without a lot of equipment. Simply anchor the straps to your door, home gym, or even a tree to engage in a total-body workout that can help improve your core strength, muscular endurance, and balance. Runners, in particular, can use a suspension training system to help prevent injury by stabilizing key muscles and increasing mobility.
The best suspension trainers come with heavy-duty straps that stand up to regular use, easy-grip handles, and comfortable ankle cradles. They're also easily adjustable, so you can switch up your movements without throwing off your flow. They should also work for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced exercisers. In this suspension training guide, we'll go through our top picks for different fitness levels, budgets, and stages of life.
The Best Suspension Trainers - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Suspension Trainer: TRX Home2 System
- Best Suspension Trainer for Outdoors: TRX Tactical Gym
- Best Budget Suspension Trainer: Fitindex Resistance Training Straps
- Best Suspension Trainer for Beginners: WorldFit ISO Trainer
- Best Portable Suspension Trainer: GoFit Gravity Straps
- Best Suspension Trainer for Seniors: NOSSK Twin Pro
- Best Suspension Trainer for Small Spaces: Lifeline Jungle Gym Suspension System
- Best Advanced Suspension Trainer: Recoil S2 Home Suspension Trainer
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall - TRX Home2 System
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Foam
- Anchor(s): Door and suspension anchors
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included mesh bag
TRX is the most recognizable name in suspension training. That's because the brand does it right. The TRX Home2 System is the entry-level model, but it has everything most users at any fitness level would need. It comes with two adjustable nylon straps with dense foam handles, a door anchor, and a suspension anchor so you can take it outdoors when you need a change of scenery. It also has a mesh travel bag so you can easily store and pack it.
The system has adjustable cradles, D-ring adjusters, and a locking loop design that holds the straps even as you're going through your routine. The setup is supported by non-locking carabiners instead of locking ones, but like all TRX systems, it still has a weight capacity of 350 pounds.
What We Like
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with door and suspension anchors
- Locking loop design keeps straps in place
What We Don't Like
- Non-locking carabiners
- Foam handles
Best Suspension Trainer for Outdoors - TRX Tactical Gym
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Textured rubber
- Anchor(s): Door and suspension anchors, plus extension
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included mesh backpack
As long as you have the right anchor, you can take most suspension trainers outdoors, but the TRX Tactical Gym was specially designed for the outdoors. It's made to withstand regular, heavy use and wear and tear from all the elements. This ultra-durable setup has textured rubber handles and oversized (but non-adjustable) foot cradles. It has the same sturdy nylon straps as the other TRX systems, with D-ring sliding adjusters and a locking loop design that prevents the straps from slipping as you work out.
The setup includes two nylon straps, a door anchor, a suspension anchor, and an extender for a little more versatility. The whole thing is lighter than the other models—it weighs only 1.2 pounds, so you can easily bring it with you wherever you go.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty rubber handles
- Made for high-volume training
- Can withstand the elements
What We Don't Like
- Foot cradles aren't adjustable
- Non-locking carabiners
Best Budget Suspension Trainer - Fitindex Resistance Training Straps
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: PP and TPR material (rubber and plastic)
- Anchor(s): Suspension anchor
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included
If you're working within a tight budget, the Fitindex Resistance Training Straps are a good buy. This kit comes with two main resistance straps, two non-slip handles, and an extension strap. Like other, more expensive versions, the straps are made of durable nylon and are fully adjustable. There are numbered markings and cam buckles that allow you to easily adjust the length for your needs while simultaneously ensuring that the straps are the same length.
The kit also comes with four resistance bands and a travel bag that makes it easy to keep everything together. The downside is that there is no suspension or door anchor included so you'll have to buy them separately if you want to hook the system up to a door or indoor anchor point other than a gym bar.
What We Like
- Numbered markings for easy adjustment
- High weight capacity
- Comes with resistance bands
What We Don't Like
- Door anchor isn't included
- Grips aren't textured
BUY: Fitindex Resistance Training Straps
Best Suspension Trainer for Beginners - WorldFit ISO Trainer
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Rubber
- Anchor(s): None
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Carrying case: Included
Suspension training can feel a little intimidating to beginners, but the Worldfit ISO Trainer, which is ideal for isometric exercises, makes it easy to dive right in. Rather than utilizing separate anchors, this suspension trainer is one continuous piece of nylon that you hold in place with your body weight, both in the upright position and when doing floor work.
The straps are adjustable and attached to the rubber-gripped handles via a locking loop design so they won't stretch or slip as you work through your movements. The rubber on the handles is textured to help you get a firm grip even when your hands get sweaty. There's a travel bag included with the trainer, although it doesn’t come with any anchors.
What We Like
- No set-up required
- Non-slip handles
- Ideal for isometric training
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't have any anchor options
- Overhead extension may be limited for anyone over 6' tall
Best Portable Suspension Trainer - GoFit Gravity Straps
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Rubber
- Anchor(s): Door anchor
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included mesh bag
One of the perks of suspension training, in general, is that you can do it just about anywhere. But this portable kit makes away-from-home exercise even more accessible. This set comes with door anchors, adjustable nylon straps, two textured rubber handles, two-foot cradles, and a mesh travel bag.
While TRX and other systems have ankle supports worked into their handles, this set has separate pieces to make it easier for beginners to do the footwork. There is no suspension anchor, so while it's good for traveling to hotels or other places on the road, you won't be able to take your workout outdoors.
What We Like
- Comes with separate foot straps
- Adjustable straps are marked for easy measuring
- Inexpensive
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't work on all doors
- No suspension anchor
Best Suspension Trainer for Seniors - NOSSK Twin Pro
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Latex-free rubber
- Anchor(s): Integrated door anchors
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included
The NOSSK Twin Pro Suspension Trainer hooks up in seconds, making it our choice for seniors who don't want to hassle with hardware or installing an elaborate anchor system. The lightweight door anchors are integrated with the main straps and work with most doors since they're smaller and less intrusive than other models. You can also loop them around a gym bar or a sturdy tree branch with the included carabiners.
The straps are made of durable nylon and the textured rubber grips help you maintain a firm grasp on the handles. As you progress through workouts, you can quickly change the length from one to eight feet with the easy-to-adjust cam buckles. There are no markings though, so you'll have to eyeball it to get the handles to the same height.
What We Like
- Integrated door anchors
- Quick setup
- Easy-to-adjust cam brackets
What We Don't Like
- No markings on straps
- Doesn't come with suspension anchor
Best Suspension Trainer for Small Spaces - Lifeline Jungle Gym Suspension Trainer System
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Rubber
- Anchor(s): Integrated door anchors
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Carrying case: Not included
Suspension trainers are fairly compact to begin with but the split anchor design of the Lifeline Jungle Gym lets you quickly change the anchor width, even in smaller spaces, without having to find a different anchor spot. You can set the system to narrow, neutral, and wide angles, which provides more workout versatility than other systems. This setup also comes with an extension attachment to connect the straps together, creating a continuous piece that you can loop around a tree, although a suspension anchor is not included.
The grips are made with heavy-duty rubber and have integrated foot cradles with a molded design. While this makes it easy to strap your feet in, they can get in the way a little when you're using the hand grips. Easy-to-adjust cam buckles attach the grips to the straps, giving you the option to adjust the length from 1.3 to 7.8 feet.
What We Like
- Split anchor design allows for more versatility
- Extension attachment included
- Heavy-duty rubber grips
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't come with a suspension anchor
- Molded ankle cradles can get in the way
BUY: Lifeline Jungle Gym Suspension Trainer System
Best Advanced Suspension Trainer - Recoil S2 Home Premium Quality Suspension Trainer
SPECS
- Strap material: Nylon
- Handle material: Rubber
- Anchor: Mount or suspension anchors
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
- Carrying case: Included, door mount doubles as bag
The Recoil S2 Home is an advanced suspension training system that's ideal for serious users. It has an over-the-door mount complete with a carrying bag for portability. That, and its patented recoil system that you can mount to a wall or connect to a home gym setup with a carabiner. If you want to attach it to a tree or gym bar for more versatility, you can add a lashing strap.
Because of the recoil system, the straps have double the adjustment range of other brands and when you're done with your workout, you just have to press one button and the straps will completely retract back into the housing. The push button also lets you adjust the length of each strap simultaneously so you don't have to mess with cam brackets or try to manually match the strap lengths.
What We Like
- Straps fully retract into the housing
- Can simultaneously adjust the length of both straps
- Sturdy anchor system and mount
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
BUY: Recoil S2 Home Premium Quality Suspension Trainer
What Are Suspension Trainers?
Suspension training is a form of resistance training using handles and straps that can be attached to a beam, pull-up bar, tree branch, or another secure anchor point. Each handle moves independently, and its length can be adjusted based on the amount of space or movement. They allow you to use your body weight and position to improve upper and lower-body strength, flexibility, and balance.
How Do You Use Suspension Trainers?
Once you find a stable anchor point to attach your suspension trainer, you can perform several different exercises targeting a variety of muscle groups. These include inverted rows, push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and more. How you position yourself while using the straps depends on which movement you want to do. For instance, a hamstring curl happens with you lying on your back with your feet in the foot cradles, while a chest press happens in a standing position.
Many suspension trainers come with a guide, while others even come with an app that features movement and exercise suggestions. If you’re new to suspension training, we recommend choosing a trainer with a guide or an app to help you with form and movement options.
What To Look For in a Suspension Trainer
Durability
If you're planning to use your suspension trainer regularly, make sure it's durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of continuous use. Straps should be made of heavy-duty nylon and grips should ideally be rubber. High-quality foam will also work but may break down more quickly.
Comfort
Most suspension trainers have hand grips and foot or ankle straps made from different materials. There are foam grips, smooth rubber grips, and textured rubber grips. Some have padded ankle straps. All of these features contribute to how comfortable or uncomfortable the trainer feels while you're using it. One type of material isn't necessarily more comfortable than the other, but it's important to find what feels best for you.
Portability
One of the perks of suspension trainers is that you can set them up almost anywhere, as long as you have a sturdy door or a tree. The only catch is that you have to choose a trainer that's adaptable enough for your specific needs.
If you want a suspension trainer you can travel with, make sure it easily mounts without hardware or a fixed anchor. If you're planning to take your workout outdoors, you'll need an extension strap or a suspension anchor that lets you loop it onto a tree.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is a very important consideration when choosing a suspension trainer. Most trainers can handle around 350 to 400 pounds. If you exceed that weight limit, there's an increased risk that the anchors will come loose, which can result in injury. Make sure you check if a suspension trainer can handle your weight before making your final choice.
FAQs About Suspension Trainers
Are suspension trainers worth it?
Yes, suspension trainers are worth it, especially if you're trying to increase your muscle strength and improve your flexibility and balance. Suspension trainers are also great for improving your core strength. They set up quickly, are easy to store, and aren't that expensive, especially if you choose a budget option.
How long does it take to see results from suspension trainers?
You can see improvements in strength, skill, and muscular endurance within two to three weeks of starting a suspension training program. However, the more consistent you are, the more significant your results will be. It can take several months before you notice body composition changes, although small improvements will be happening every day and every time you train.
Can suspension trainers build muscle?
Yes, suspension trainers can build muscle. In a 2013 study published in the “Journal of Fitness Research,” researchers found that suspension training programs can enhance muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and balance to a similar degree as regular resistance training. In fact, suspension training was actually superior in building muscle endurance in the core and back extensors.
Other studies have found that suspension training results in similar or greater increases in growth hormone and testosterone than traditional resistance training, which may also translate to muscle growth.
How do I adjust suspension trainer straps?
Most suspension trainer straps have cam buckles or D-ring loops that let you quickly adjust them by moving the buckle or loop or by pulling one end of the strap. The straps may or may not have markings (often numbered) to identify the current length of the strap so you can make sure they are even without a lot of guesswork.
About the Author
Lindsay is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor. She has written 15 books and numerous articles on fitness, wellness, and nutrition. Her work appears on Forbes.com, CNET.com, Healthline.com, Garagegymreviews.com, CNN.com, mindbodygreen,com, and LIVESTRONG.com, among others.
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