Even though I don’t travel much, I like the concept of a portable home gym because it tends to be compact and versatile. Therefore, I can do lots of different, non-boring workouts without needing a lot of space – even at home.
That’s what attracted me to the TRX Suspension Trainer. The complete system can fit in a small bag when not in use. Plus, I can even move it to different locations in my home or take it to a nearby park if I want.
You can pay upwards of $400 for a TRX suspension trainer system. However, as you probably already guessed, I didn’t want to do that.
Good news! TRX makes a version that only costs about $100 called the “TRX Go Gym”. (By the way, this is the best price for a TRX name brand suspension trainer).
Now, I could save money as well as saving space. Not to mention, I can get a full-body workout using 1 piece of equipment. Plus, I can get my cardio in as well as strength training – and all while doing low impact exercises. What more could I ask for?
Benefits of the TRX Suspension Trainer…
& Why It’s My Favorite Portable Home Gym
As you can see, you get lots of benefits with the TRX “Go Gym” without having to pay the higher price of the Pro Pack. Sure, you give up convenient app access and maybe higher quality handles. However, you don’t need those to strengthen and tone your body in 15 minutes a day.
TRX made a great first impression on me. When I received my TRX package in the mail, I could literally set up the equipment in under 2 minutes. Then, I realized I had free access to their online workouts – BONUS! 30-minute circuit and strength training classes, core work, stretching, instruction on advancement movements and more.
What is a TRX Suspension Trainer? “Born in the Navy SEALs, Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. It requires the use of the TRX Suspension Trainer, a highly portable performance training tool that leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to complete 100s of exercises.” (Source)
How to Use a TRX Suspension System in Your Home Gym
As you’ll see in the Youtube videos below, you can use TRX straps in a variety of different ways. It makes $100 seem cheap, considering all of the movements they allow you to do.
1. Warm Up with TRX Bands
First of all, they can provide a gentle warm up to help you ease into your workout. Of course, this helps minimize the risk of injury. Plus, the supportive bands also allow you to lessen the load on certain exercises if you need to.
2. Burn Fat & Build Muscle with a TRX HIIT Workout
Second, you can do an intense HIIT session and finish your workout in 10-20 minutes. Performing compound movements (ie squats or push ups) at a fast pace definitely give you a high intensity workout.
Add on the instability of TRX bands, and you take your routine to a whole new level of intensity. The good news is that you can finish a lot faster, while still achieving the same benefits!
3. Use TRX Suspension Straps to Stretch
And third, you can stretch out tight muscles. For example, many people suffer from lower back pain or have hunched shoulders. You can actually use TRX bands to stretch out these areas, therefore reducing pain and stiffness. In addition, TRX bands can help open up your hips (especially helpful for runners).
Get a TRX Suspension kit for $99
3 Reasons TRX Workouts are Great for Beginners
1. Easily Adjusts to Your Skill Level
I also like the TRX system because you can adjust pretty much any exercise to fit your skill level. Therefore, you aren’t limited to only some of the workouts because you are just a beginner. Plus, newbies don’t feel intimidated like they might going into the free weights section of a gym. Start where you’re at, and then increase the intensity as you go.
2. Low Impact and Core Strengthening
In addition, the low-impact and core-building movements help prevent injuries for people who may be out of shape. You’ll improve your posture, which is a big advantage for those us who spend all day sitting at a desk and may experience back pain due to chronic poor posture.
3. Quick 15-Minute Workouts
Many of us don’t exercise because we can’t seem to find the time. With a portable home gym, you can workout virtually anywhere, anytime. Plus, the straps make exercises challenging enough that you can complete an intense, effective strength-building and cardio routine in under 15 minutes.
TRX Exercises, Classes & Workouts You Can Do Anywhere:
With over 300 different exercises you can do and a variety of free video workouts you can follow online, the hardest part of starting may be deciding what to do. =)
You can perform leg workouts with lunges and squats, shoulder exercises like pull ups, arm workouts with suspension rows and triceps dips, ab exercises and lots more. Pinterest has lots of workout guide pictures and exercise PDFs that you can view for free.
Would you prefer the guidance of a professional instructor? Alternatively, you can sign up for TRX online classes that you can watch from the comfort of your home gym. Just pick your class and follow the routine without having to think one up yourself! Unlimited classes only cost about $20/month at Studio Sweat on Demand.
How to Setup a TRX System in Your Home Gym
The installation process is easy because you can simply use the included door mount. Secure the straps to virtually any door in your home, hotel, etc..
Alternatively, you can ceiling mount or wall mount the suspension trainer. Purchase a $12-$15 Xmount bracket that you screw into a beam. Instead, you can get an eyescrew at your local home improvement or hardware store. Both options work well.
Keep in mind that if you have a exposed beam or bar that can support a significant amount of weight, you can wrap the strap around it. In addition, strong tree branches and jungle gyms works well too if you want to take your workout outside. =)
Pros and Cons of Cheap Knock-Off Suspension Training Systems
As you’d expect, you can find plenty of knock-off products that cost less than the original TRX name brand. For example, Walmart sells the Styles II Fitness Hard-Knock Suspend Body Trainer for about $50. In addition, eBay has several hundred versions in red, orange, blue, pink, yellow, tan/neutral and more.
Expect to get a lower quality product with “fake” knock-offs at lower than wholesale prices. (These steep discounts are definitely bigger than any promo code.) That said, if you:
- Don’t plan on using the suspension trainer frequently or
- Are a lightweight person or
- Only want a portable home gym for travel or
- You are tired of waiting for TRX Straps to go on sale…
Then, a discounted set of straps may work just fine.
These no-name brand deals seem to get mixed reviews, even though they have a design very similar to TRX. My suggestion? Read what customers says about the particular product you want to buy before you invest your money. Also, check return and refund policies.
TRX Specifications for a Safe & Effective Home Workout
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs is the max weight limit for the TRX suspension straps. If you need a more heavy duty version, look into their commercial product line.
Length TRX straps (completely extended) measure 5 1/2′ in length. Plus, the included anchor strap measures about 3′ long. The company recommends hanging the trainer between 7 and 9 feet from the ground (either from the ceiling, a wall or a door).
Does the TRX Suspension Trainer Work?
In other words, are these basic straps really any good? As with any home workout program, you get out of it what you put into it. Suspension training systems have a few big advantages, though.
1. Due to their portability, it instantly becomes much easier to fit in consistent workouts.
2. Because TRX straps are easy and less intimidating to use, you are much more likely to start (and stick with) a regular program. And getting started is sometimes the hardest part, right?
3. The cardio + strength + balance workout combination allows you to see results faster. Plus, you can accomplish your goals with 15-minute workouts rather than taking 60 minutes per session. That is a huge motivator!
TRX Review, in Summary: This lightweight, all-in-one resistance system is my top pick for home exercise equipment. Plus, you can take it to the gym, the park or traveling.
Surprisingly, basic nylon straps can make an otherwise boring workout fun and interesting. And, in my opinion, the effectiveness of a workout routine comes down to whether or not you enjoy it enough to do it consistently. =)
You don’t have to spend more than $100 for your TRX suspension trainer. However, the company does make upgraded, more complete systems like the TRX Home2, Pro4, Tactical, Duo trainer, RIP Trainer and Professional Fusion Bundle.