Suspension trainers are a staple of any garage gym, including my own. The TRX is the most popular suspension training kit on the market but it comes with a hefty price tag.
There are many TRX alternative trainers that provide similar flexibility when it comes to working out, and these are mostly cheaper than the TRX model.
If you want to conserve some dollars, probably to spend on addition gym gear, then these are some great TRX alternatives that I have used in my home gym.
5 Best TRX Alternatives for Home gyms
1. Lifeline Jungle Gym - Best Value
Workout Versatility
5.0
Value For Money
4.5
Materials & Durability
5.0
Overall Rating
4.8
Being an obsessed garage gym enthusiast, I constantly scout for equipment that maximizes both space and functionality. I love the dual anchor system because it allows for quick adjustments to the strap width, something even the TRX does not do!
This flexibility is crucial for creating varied and challenging workouts, and allows for better stabilisation when doing single arm or single leg exercises.
I also recommend the Jungle Gym XT for beginners and seasoned gym junkies alike. It includes a 3-level workout poster that's perfect for newcomers, plus 12 online workouts that offer a wealth of guidance for honing suspension trainer technique and building strength.
The inline buckles are user-friendly, and slide just as easily as the TRX does, enabling swift changes to the strap length from 16” to 94”.
The Lifeline Jungle Gym XT Suspension Trainer is a top-tier choice for people looking to enhance their home gym for under $100. This means its approximately half the cost of the TRX.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, adaptable, and comprehensive training tool, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Pros
Cons
Read More - How To Build A Calisthenics Home Gym
2. GoFit Gravity Straps - Best Budget Option
Workout Versatility
4.0
Value For Money
5.0
Materials & Durability
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
If you’re looking for a very cheap TRX alternative, then the GoFit Gravity Straps are ideal. For under $50 you’ll receive a basic but still solid suspension trainer that primarily used behind a door.
I love how simple and easy it is to use. The resistance levels can be changed by altering the angle, starting point, or foundation, so you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to exercising.
What’s also impressive about such a cheap TRX alternative is that you’ll also receive a mesh carry bag, ankle cradles, and even a training manual to help you decide what exercises you’re going to do. Not bad at all for this price!
Unfortunately, the GoFit Gravity Straps have no specific advantages over the TRX trainers I’ve seen.. Still, the fact they’re so much cheaper without having major disadvantages makes them one of the best suspension trainers if you’re on a budget.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to anchor this TRX cheaper alternative to a door that opens away from you rather than one that opens inwards. This could present an issue if you'rs garage gym doesn't have a door!
Pros
Cons
3. Bodytorc Suspension Trainer (TRX cheaper alternative)
Workout Versatility
5.0
Value For Money
4.5
Materials & Durability
4.0
Overall Rating
4.5
The Bodytorc suspension trainer system falls in between my previous 2 suggestions, so it’s another great deal if you’re on a budget. Like the TRX trainers, it’s designed for beginner to advanced users and comes with a lot of features, although there are 1-2 aspects which I am not a huge fan of.
Let's start with the not-so-good. This workout equipment comes with detachable handles to add different attachments and increase the variety of your workouts. For example, you can purchase Olympic rings, bars, and ropes to attach. While this may sound like it's a positive, this will increase the cost, and is not what most people are looking for in a suspension trainer.
The actual suspension training straps have also been designed with strength and durability in mind, featuring anodized cam buckles and high-grade webbing. These come with a maximum weight capacity of 450 lbs, it's suitable for most users and slide well, but they do tend to get in each others way, making it annoying to switch between.
One major positive is that the suspension straps have superior ergonomics so you can keep them totally vertical when attached to a power cage or chin-up bar.
That means they won’t rub against your arms and are an excellent choice for doing dips. I also got the hanging ab training straps, which is another cool add-on feature.
When it comes to the Bodytorc vs TRX, this TRX suspension trainer alternative is just as good and costs around $70 (which is way cheaper). It even has a lifetime warranty, better than the 10 years offered by TRX on their Home2 suspension trainer system.
Despite its flaws, this is still one of the best suspension trainers around, especially for the cost.
Pros
Cons
4. KEAFOLS Bodyweight Fitness (Popular Model)
Workout Versatility
4.0
Value For Money
4.0
Materials & Durability
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
If you're still on the hunt for an affordable TRX alternative and haven't found one in my top 3 picks, the KEAFOLS Bodyweight Fitness kit is another solid product at the lower end of the price range.
It stands out for its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to integrate it into various workouts including yoga, CrossFit, resistance training, and muscle conditioning.
The KEAFOLS kit features suspension straps that are gentle on the hands, and comfortable to use during exercise. I found this surprising as the 'cheaper' brands often sacrifice comfort in their products.
Like most suspension trainers, this kit is equipped with adjustable straps, which allows for a tailored workout experience. The package includes all the essentials: a door anchor, resistance straps with handles, comfortable foot cradles for core exercises, a drawstring mesh bag for easy transport, and a user manual. Note that resistance bands are not included with this kit.
Many of my clients have particularly praised the foot cradles for their comfort and the ability to support a diverse range of core-strengthening exercises.
There is a slight downside: the buckles are durable and secure the straps well, but aligning them to an equal length can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Not exactly what you want but it's also something you can 'put up with' if you want to save a penny or twi.
Similar to the GoFit Gravity Straps, the KEAFOLS kit requires a door that opens outwards to effectively use the door anchor, which might limit its usability in some situations.
Pros
Cons
5. Mouylan YYOJ Straps Complete Idget Sensory
Workout Versatility
4.0
Value For Money
4.0
Materials & Durability
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
Rounding out my TRX alternatives, the Mouylan YYOJ straps set emerges as a comprehensive and value for money. It comes with a long list of accessories including:
- mesh carry bag
- extension strap
- exercise guide
- set of resistance bands
- multi-functioning fastener
Adjustability is a strong point for the Mouylan, offering simplicity in customization where other alternatives may falter. The included extension straps extend the range from head to toe, opening up a broader array of exercises, excellent for more experience gym folks.
I was particularly impressed with the quality of the handles, which are both comfortable and sturdy, providing a reliable grip during exercises like inverted rows and tricep extensions.
It's worth noting, though, that there may be some slippage when hands become sweaty. While not a dealbreaker, it’s an important factor to consider for those looking for the optimal workout experience.
For home fitness enthusiasts such as myself, the Mouylan YYOJ straps provides a fully adjustable suspension trainer that accommodates a wide range of exercises and user preferences, making it a value driven purchase for any garage gym.
Pros
Cons
Features To Look For When Choosing A TRX Alternative
Go For Higher Quality Materials
I always recommend going for handles on TRX style suspension trainers that are made from padded foam. This allows for a comfortable grip, even during intense workouts and also for the long term.
Another feature to focus on is to look for premium quality carabiner clips, tested to a weight capacity of 1000 lbs and above. This basically means you can give them a ton of pressure without any concerns.
Make Sure It Is Easy To Install
Setting up any suspension training system should be simple and easy for anyone to do, even beginners. I have found that some models over-complicate the installation process. The 5 products above are all easy to install.
Just be aware that some models have can only be anchored to a door while others will have one or two suspension anchor points for bars.
My preference is a single anchor point for people who like to take their workouts outside and dual anchor points for home garage gyms.
Aim For Versatility In Workout Options
When selecting from the TRX alternatives on this list, make sure you can perform the exercises you want on them and go for a brand that aligns with your workout level.
The most common include squats, pushes, lunges, rotations, hinges, and pulls.
Consider the attachments such as foot cradles (foot straps), Olympic rings, resistance bands and others in relation to the most common exercises you will be doing.
The same applies for the mounting type. If push ups are your focus then a dual anchor point is best, but if leg work is more your thing, a single anchor point will be better.
FAQs
You can anchor your suspension trainer to a door or sturdy overhead beam. Another option is to install a wall mount. I've even attached mine to a tree in the past.
No, the TRX isn't better than dumbbells. If you want to build muscle fast, dumbbells are the way to go. You'll be able to use more weight, which will allow you to grow your muscles. I recommend using both for maximal results.
Yes, if you’re a beginner with minimal muscle, then you’ll make some gains from using your body weight for resistance training with a suspension trainer. However, more substantial gains will only be made by lifting weights.
Yes, you can attach your suspension trainer to a tree. However, you’ll need to ensure you find a thick and steady tree branch that won’t snap when you put weight on it.
Conclusion
TRX alternative suspension trainers are plentiful, but there are some excellent choices among them. I always recommend looking for a product that is specific to your style of working out.
I love the Lifeline Jungle Gym XT because the dual anchors let me focus on push up variations. The strap length and added extras are also a bonus which help make this my favorite TRX alternative suspension trainer.
Last Updated on April 22, 2024