Strength The Best Suspension Trainers, According to a Personal Trainer The TRX All-In-One Suspension Trainer has everything for a full-body workout By Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, CNC, is a digital marketing and branding consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. A personal trainer and nutrition coach, she is passionate about life-long, balanced wellness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 11, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. Learn about our Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Danie Drankwalter Suspension fitness training systems have helped revolutionize bodyweight workouts into convenient and challenging strength training. Composed of heavy-duty, anchored straps with handles and foot stirrups, suspension trainers use your own body weight to engage core stability, balance, and mobility. This makes for an ultra-efficient, total-body workout that improves flexibility, builds lean muscle, develops functional strength, and supports cardiovascular health. Suspension trainers are portable, easy to set up, and easy to use. We researched suspension trainers and evaluated them for quality, safety, comfort, durability, design, pricing, and value. A personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this article to ensure accuracy, discuss how to assess the most important features, and which exercises to try. Here are the best suspension trainers on the market, according to a certified personal trainer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: FITINDEX Resistance Trainer Kit at Amazon.ca Jump to Review Best for Beginners: TRX Fit System at Dick's Jump to Review Best Advanced: TRX Pro4 System at Trxtraining.com Jump to Review Best Portable: TRX Suspension Trainer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Seniors: NOSSK Bodyweight Trainer at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Outdoors: TRX Tactical Gym at Amazon Jump to Review Best Weight Capacity: Bodytorc Suspension Trainer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: Lifeline Jungle Gym XT at Amazon Jump to Review Best Set: KBANDS Advanced Training Kit at Kbandstraining.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System 4.8 Target View On Amazon View On Target Pros Adjustable foot cradles Trial access to instructional app Machine washable Cons Expensive Foam handles may wear over time The OG of suspension training systems, the TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness system is an easy pick for our best overall. TRX wants you to “make your body your machine.” Among their many home gyms, the TRX Home2 System is the brand’s most popular entry-level set designed to challenge any body type or skill level. Set up anywhere with two anchor options, a wraparound anchor to clip to sturdy fixtures, and a padded door anchor that safeguards hardware. "TRX Training was the first company to invent the single point suspension anchor that creates instability from the top-down, forcing you to create stability from the bottom up,” Marc Coronel, BA, TRX Senior Master Course Instructor, said. Customize a comfy fit with the adjustable foot cradles, slide-to-size straps, and grippy foam handles. A barrel-locking slide system features reinforced figure-8 line protection to keep the lines from buckling, while an “Equalizer Loop” keeps the straps at a safe, even length. With your purchase, TRX also provides a trial of their Training Club app and quick Concierge Team access. The compact unit can be easily wiped and is machine washable, and storage is swift with the drawstring mesh bag. Ultimately, the Home2 System is a solid option considering its reliability and ease of use. Price at time of publication: $210 for All-In-One Bundle Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds | Accessories: Bag, two anchors included, app trial | Portable: Yes | Anchor Style: Door anchor, wrap-around suspension anchor, or ceiling mount (sold separately) Best Budget FITINDEX Fitness Resistance Trainer Kit Amazon View On Amazon.ca View On Fit-index.com Pros Includes resistance bands and fitness guide Foolproof numbered straps Rubber, non-slip handles Cons Door anchor not included Initial setup and anchor carabiner take slightly longer than some sets If you can’t swing for a high-end system, the FITINDEX trainer is for you. This wallet-friendly set packs quality plus value into an attractive price tag. It’s constructed with durable zinc alloy hardware, and non-slip rubber handles. And the novel nylon straps are easy to adjust with foolproof, numbered marks to ensure each is the same length every time. The set’s crew-locking carabiner securely connects straps to a non-slip extender strap, which can be mounted around trusty horizontal or vertical objects. Target more muscles by incorporating the set’s resistance bands and enclosed fitness guide into your routine. A simple but sturdy setup, this budget no-brainer stores nicely into the included travel bag. Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds | Accessories: Bag, door mount, exercises bands, and fitness guide | Portable: Yes | Anchor Style: wrap-around anchor; door anchor sold separately Best for Beginners TRX Fit System Dick's sporting goods View On Dick's View On Academy.com View On Best Buy Pros Most affordable TRX system Two workout downloads with purchase Free workout poster Cons Foam handles may wear over time Foot stirrups aren’t adjustable The most budget-friendly TRX system on the market, the TRX Fit is a great entry-level set for those new to suspension training. The unit sports the brand’s signature yellow and black design and streamlined gray straps, but the quality is still distinctly TRX. Like other TRX systems, this lightweight, entry-level version comes with both door and wrap-around suspension anchors. Safety features include an innovative TRX locking loop at the top center of the straps toward the anchor to prevent cable slipping, and buckles are reinforced to help strap lengths stay put after adjusting. Warm-up with the handy guide, workout poster, and basic moves chart, and cash in two free included introductory workouts to get a taste for TRX on-demand instruction. While the foot cradles are not adjustable, this set comfortably works for most body sizes. The light, foam handles grip nicely without feeling cheap, and the set stores nicely in a mesh travel bag. “I found the TRX to be one of my favorites,” Eric Butler, Los Angeles-based fitness coach and CPT, said. Butler particularly praised the system's portability and easy function. “It’s worth the investment," he said. It's a great pick if you're looking to add suspension training to your workout routine on fitness equipment like elliptical machines and indoor cycling bikes. Price at time of publication: $100 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds | Accessories: Bag, two anchors | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Door anchor, wrap-around suspension anchor, or ceiling mount (sold separately) The 12 Best Home Gyms of 2023 Best Advanced TRX Pro4 System TRX View On Trxtraining.com Pros Professional-grade quality Adjustable foot cradles Locking carabiner Cons Locking carabiner requires Allen wrench Outdoor debris can decrease Velcro hold over time The TRX Pro4 doesn’t mess around. Designed for serious athletes and professional settings, design and materials level up on this advanced set. An upgraded construction features textured, rubber handles to prevent slipping and blistering, and adjustable foot cradles that fit any size. With thicker, sturdier straps, the set comes with an extension line for use with both door and wrap-around anchors. Like all TRX trainers, it can be sanitized easily with a wipe or tossed in the laundry before line-drying, something crucial when there are multiple users. Most likely to stay put in a gym setting, the Pro4 touts a locking carabiner that’s adjusted with the enclosed Allen wrench. The heavy-duty durability and whopping 10-year warranty make it a popular suspension trainer for personal trainers, small gyms, or home users that plan to put in a lot of miles. Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds | Accessories: Bag, two anchors, app trial | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Door anchor, wrap-around suspension anchor, or ceiling mount (sold separately) We Tested the 7 Best Resistance Bands of 2023 for Every Budget and Workout Best Portable TRX GO Suspension Trainer System Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pros Weighs less than 1 pound Extremely portable Travel pouch included Cons Foam handles may wear over time Foot stirrups aren’t adjustable Jet-setters and backpackers among us can conveniently train anywhere with the TRX Go Suspension Trainer Kit. Weighing less than 1 pound, this slim travel trainer is the lightest of all TRX systems but boasts some serious stability that supports just as well as its sibling sets. This little trainer works smarter, not harder, with TRX’s top-locking harness loop to keep you safely heading toward those gains. This wee set carries huge potential with two workout guides and TRX’s seven foundational moves training poster and intensity variations. Routines are handy on the go via a three-month trial of TRX Training App’s digital workouts. As you hit the road, utilize scaled-back, compact versions of the highly versatile TRX door and wrap anchors, perfect for indoor or outdoor sessions. When it’s time to get going, pack everything up neatly and discretely with the small, drawstring pouch. Price at time of publication: $160 for Go Bundle Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds | Accessories: Bag, two anchors, app trial | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Door anchor, wrap-around suspension anchor, or ceiling mount (sold separately) The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023 Best for Seniors NOSSK TWIN PRO Suspension Bodyweight Trainer Walmart View On Walmart Pros Easy, uncomplicated setup Comfortable, non-slip foam-rubber hybrid handles Instruction manual Cons Separate, built-in anchors may be challenging for some users in setup Foot stirrups aren’t adjustable Bodyweight training has proven beneficial for all ages, but especially for seniors due to its ability to improve functional movement in everyday activities. Accomplish this by incorporating straightforward suspension training into your routine. One system that will get you going is the non-intimidating Twin Pro trainer by NOSSK. Lightweight and easy to hang, it’s made in the US from safe, durable hardware with a lifetime guarantee. The rubber handles are textured for non-slip comfort and the adjustable buckles, zinc alloy mounts, and strap clips keep you safe as you lean into your workout. Independent straps with built-in door anchors attach or wrap around trusted objects inside or outside. The minimalist set fits into a drawstring bag to take anywhere or tuck away. With few pieces and clear instructions, this trainer’s setup is a snap. Price at time of publication: $48 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds | Accessories: Bag, door anchor, manual | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Built-in door anchors, strap clip anchors, and wrap-around anchor Best for Outdoors TRX Tactical Gym Amazon View On Amazon View On Trxtraining.com Pros UV resistant No locking carabiner (for swift mobility) Full access to TRX FORCE program Cons Foot stirrups not adjustable Most expensive TRX unit Designed for diehard athletes on a mission, the Tactical Gym is the ultimate outdoor trainer. True to its roots, TRX employed feedback from extreme operators like first responders and military athletes to create the most mighty TRX system to date. The elite set has mastery in mind, and it’s at its prime in the wild to keep anyone committed to crushing goals and pushing limits, even outdoors. “TRX force kit, in my opinion, is the most complete system out there,” Coronel said about the model. With a UV coating and industrial-strength construction, TRX Tactical has rubber grips and bigger, oversized foot cradles to accommodate boots, sneakers, and all-terrain shoes. They ditched adjustable, Velcro straps to prevent function-skewing debris. No locking carabiner makes adjustments swift with the lightweight aluminum D-rings. The Tactical System stays steady with door and extension anchors, and accommodates higher, more gnarly vertical anchor points with an “Xtender Strap.” When things get muddy, just machine wash Tactical and carry to the next course using the mesh running backpack. As mobile as they come, try the Trainer’s Club app or your full access to TRX FORCE App, a 12-week Tactical Conditioning Program plus 4-week Pull-up Program. Price at time of publication: $280 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 350 pounds | Accessories: Bag, three anchors, training app | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: door anchor, wrap-around suspension anchor, extension anchor Best Weight Capacity Bodytorc Suspension Trainer Amazon View On Amazon View On Bodytorc.com Pros Access to online library of stretches and exercises Detachable handles and multi-purpose slings Split strap design for customizable grip Cons Carabiner locking screw is small, requires Allen wrench Ceiling mount sold separately Built like a tank, the Bodytorc Suspension Trainer can really pull, or shall we say hold, some serious weight. Impressive enough to hang with leading brands, Bodytorc is a fraction of the price but holds some stellar specs. Designed with double-stiched, high-grade nylon webbing, the system’s reinforced straps, optional locking carabiners, and anodized cam buckles make it a safe option for bearing heavier loads.Comfort meets customizability, with an optional split or single anchor design, depending on preference or skill level. Numbered arms make it super quick to adjust for accuracy or measure your progress. The detachable handles and foot straps are versatile for use with other exercises and clip-on equipment, like Olympic rings or ropes. The foot straps are padded, making them gentle for heavier users when performing arm exercises, stretches, or ab-busting, hanging knee raises. The kit contains a door anchor and extension straps for elevated split anchor or hanging ab exercises. Sold separately, the brand offers exercise bands as well as their own ceiling mount. Finally, you can skip in-person gym sessions and work at your speed when you tap into Bodytoc’s free online library of exercises, geared toward beginner to advanced users. Price at time of publication: $65 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds | Accessories: Bag, door anchor, extension straps, versatile foot/elbow cradles, exercise library | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Door anchor, two wrap-around extension arms Best for Small Spaces Lifeline Jungle Gym XT Amazon View On Amazon View On Power-systems.com Pros Streamlined anchors and straps Durable, rubber foot cradles Split anchor design for customizable width Cons Bulky handles and foot cradle Foot stirrups aren’t adjustable If you've already dedicated valuable real estate to fit equipment like a treadmill or rowing machine and you don’t have a lot of space left to work with, the Lifeline Jungle Gym is a good fit for you. This streamlined set is scaled down for compact, but effective, workouts. Strong enough to take a beating, this harness hangs tough with buckles that adjust quickly as needed between multi-planar progressions. Easy-to-wipe rubber handles and foot cradles give the sturdy feel of a home gym without all the equipment. Post the enclosed, full-color wall chart or follow the downloadable workout video for all skill levels. An interesting feature of the trainer is its “split anchor” system, meaning its anchors are found on the ends of each strap so you can widen or decrease the width to accommodate varying statures for targeted exercises. The brand amps up this design feature’s ability to target more muscle groups than single anchor versions to get you that total-body workout you crave. Price at time of publication: $100 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds | Accessories: Bag, extender strap, poster with workout video | Portable: Yes | Anchor Type: Separate wrap-around and built-in door anchors, single non-scuff door anchor The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2023 Best Set KBANDS Advanced Training Kit KBANDS View On Kbandstraining.com Pros Includes lots of accessories Lifetime warranty on bands Sturdy Cons No main bag for all three systems in kit If you’re after a kit that can offer a ton of variety, KBANDS delivers the goods. It sports high-quality, reinforced, and adjustable bodyweight straps, a door anchor, and an anchor strap for wrapping around gym equipment or reliable home mounts. The split anchor design and D-rings allow for flexible placement and width. Besides the suspension trainer, the kit comes with upper and lower body-specific resistance band systems to tackle your full body regimen. The KBANDS Leg Resistance Bands and KB Powerbands for the upper body focus on comprehensive strength, endurance, and power with the help of complimentary digital trainers. The high-quality bands, leg straps, and foam handles adjust to any body size. While it can seem like a lot of pieces, everything coils up nicely into one of three respective carry bags for easy toting. Price at time of publication: $130 Key Specs:Weight Capacity: Up to 400 pounds | Accessories: Bag, door anchor, anchor strap, upper and lower body resistance systems, free training videos | Portable: Yes (independent from full set) | Anchor Type: Strap clip anchors, door anchor, wrap-around extension anchor Final Verdict Regardless of the unit chosen, stability training systems are an excellent option for beginners to advanced athletes. The TRX Home2 (view at Amazon) sits at a feasible price point as an all-around great option for anyone wanting to learn and progress in suspension training to reap its health benefits safely. It’s portable yet sturdy and has a great track record for brand reliability and exercise programming. If you’d rather begin with something more economical, you’ll get great value with the well-rounded FITINDEX Resistance Trainer Kit (view at FitIndex). What to Look For in a Suspension Trainer Quality and Safety Like a solo trust-building exercise, a quality suspension training system will safely catch your fall. “Suspension training is open and accessible to anyone and all, no matter your age, gender, size, or goal,” Coronel says. Go with a reputable brand with a good track record that backs their product with quality inspections or guarantees. Look for descriptions of industrial-grade materials, reinforced strap stitching, and sufficient load-bearing weight capacity for your needs. Ensure buckles, clips, anchors, and mounts are made of strong, durable metals like zinc alloy or aluminum, and any pins or fabric stitching at connecting points are uniform and undamaged. Buckles should stay taught without shifting or coming loose, which could cause serious injury during use. For additional fitness safety, look for a set that can be washed or sanitized by wiping down or throwing in the laundry. Durability For longevity, go with a set that can take a beating. In addition to straps that are strong and thick, make sure handles are made of high-quality rubber or foam. Mount hardware and anchors should be sturdy, versatile, and easy to attach. If you plan to train outdoors, consider a set that can withstand the elements and terrain. Working out on the beach? Avoid straps with Velcro that sand can get stuck in and worsen fastening ability. Live in a rainy or humid climate? Look for straps and mounts that are hearty and weatherproof to keep fraying and rust at bay. Comfort Those who claim “no pain, no gain” are clearly choosing the wrong equipment. Feel the burn, not the pain with a set that adjusts to appropriate lengths for your height plus slack to spare for multiple exercise variations. Rubber handles with grip treads are best, as opposed to harder plastic or cheap foam which can be irritating and cause blisters. Anchor design should be geared toward comfort during moves, as well as wear and tear. Avoid jerky hooks or janky carabiners that could slide or twist out of position. Portability Besides yielding results, a big selling point of suspension trainers is their compact and lightweight design. “They’re great for a person who works out at home,” Butler said. “I even throw it in my gym bag when I’m on the road.” Look for a set that allows for ease of portability and storage. Whether it remains in your home gym or travels with you, a streamlined design will pack or store much better than extra bulk. It’s a bonus if additional mobile accessories—like a travel bag or resistance bands—are included. Scaled-down door anchors are handy for temporary lodging spots and wrap-around anchors work great for beams and outdoor fixtures like basketball hoop poles or trusty trees. Frequently Asked Questions Can suspension trainers build muscle? Beyond your typically brutal calorie-burner, several scientific studies back suspension trainers as a legit, efficient way to build muscle. A suspension trainer can progress or regress exercise intensity based on your body’s relationship to the equipment’s anchor and the ground. This resistance engages muscle, builds core strength, and improves mobility and flexibility.The science behind the claims continues, with experts seeing significant lean muscle hypertrophy (or growth) in studies due to muscular activation as a result of suspension exercises. In fact, one study found that a circuit training program using two instability training devices, such as a balance board and a suspension trainer, is as effective as traditional strength training. Additionally, for all ages, but especially aging adults, challenging stability can reduce injury risk and build overall confidence in mobility.Improving stability and flexibility can also help those who tend to overpronate and wear corrective inserts, like insoles for flat feet, to gain better control of their movement.“Not only will suspension training provide great functionalstrength, core stability, and balance, you’ll most definitely put on muscle with a consistent routine,” Butler said. “Similar to calisthenics or bodyweight workouts, suspension training allows your body to be its own machine. Manipulating proper reps, tempo, and time under tension is a recipe for quality muscle gains.” How do I adjust suspension trainer straps? Depending on your set, most, if not all, suspension trainers have adjustable straps for customizing length for proper fit and use for your workout. If your equipment has strap buckles, it may have a locking mechanism for safety, so thoroughly read the manual instructions before attempting to adjust.The important thing to remember is to unlock and relock any safety feature, slide both straps to the same, safe, and appropriate length for the exercise, and check that straps are laying flat and untwisted. How do I anchor a suspension trainer? Most suspension trainers on the market have multiple ways to be anchored and even supply the hardware. If your kit came with a door anchor, wedge it between a partially open door and close until securely latched. You can utilize anchor straps (which wrap around branches or clip onto existing fixtures) for spaces without doors, like studio apartments or outdoor areas.Heavy-duty metal X-mounts are another great option, but should only be secured to load-bearing walls, beams, or overhead studs. Regardless of the mount used, be sure to install the unit with ample space from nearby walls to give you enough room for all planes of motion as you work out. Consult with a professional for the weight-bearing strength of mounting surfaces. What are the best suspension trainer exercises? The beauty of suspension training is the potential for efficient, full-body engagement, regardless of the move. A well-designed suspension training program will help you reap the full benefits the workout has to offer. When planning your program, aim for a comprehensive plan that works you from top to bottom, engaging your core throughout and challenging your stability and strength endurance. Compliment your suspension regimen with supersets that double down for faster results using opposing moves with little rest in between. TRX Senior Master Course Instructor, Marc Coronel, B.A., said some of his favorite suspension training exercises are the TRX Squat Row, TRX Atomic Pushup, TRX Hamstring Curl to Hip Press, TRX Power Pulls, and TRX Cossack Lunge. When performing suspension training moves, “maintain proper posture by keeping an active plank at all time,” he advises while performing each," Coronel said. Why Trust Verywell Fit A life-long athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh knows her way around the gym and is constantly researching the latest and best options in weight training modalities. For this guide, she researched factual evidence of muscle stability, endurance, and hypertrophy to feature brands that meet the standards of Verywell Fit and its readers. 7 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ace ProSource. Investigating the acute and chronic health benefits of TRX suspension training. Gaedtke A, Morat T. TRX Suspension Training: A new functional training approach for older adults - development, training control and feasibility. Int J Exerc Sci. 2015;8(3):224-233. Jiménez-García JD, Hita-Contreras F, de la Torre-Cruz M, et al. Risk of falls in healthy older adults: Benefits of high-intensity interval training using lower body suspension exercises. J Aging Phys Act. 2019;27(3):325-333. doi:10.1123/japa.2018-0190 Maté-Muñoz JL, Monroy AJ, Jodra Jiménez P, Garnacho-Castaño MV. Effects of instability versus traditional resistance training on strength, power and velocity in untrained men. J Sports Sci Med. 2014;13(3):460-8. BBC. Movement analysis in sport. n.d. Calatayud J, Borreani S, Colado JC, et al. Muscle activation during push-ups with different suspension training systems. J Sports Sci Med. 2014;13(3):502-10. Angleri V, Soligon SD, da Silva DG, Bergamasco JGA, Libardi CA. Suspension training: a new approach to improve muscle strength, mass, and functional performances in older adults? Front Physiol. 2020;10:1576. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit