Last Updated On May 17, 2023
The benefits of suspension training are endless (ok, maybe not endless, but it's pretty awesome). A popular suspension training kit is the TRX, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
So what other options are there?
There are many TRX alternative trainers you can purchase for without breaking the bank. In this article I'll be discussing the best TRX alternatives for your home gym.
Read through each one and choose the best one for your home or garage gym.
Best 5 TRX Alternative Suspension Trainers
If you can’t find a TRX trainer, or they’re out of your budget, then it’s wise to look at some TRX substitute options. We’ve found five that we believe are a good fit, and we’ve covered them in detail below.
1. Lifeline Jungle Gym (Best Value Suspension Trainer)
Workout Versatility
5.0
Value For Money
4.5
Materials & Durability
5.0
Overall Rating
4.8
Our #1 TRX suspension alternative is the Lifeline Jungle Gym XT Suspension Trainer. It comes in a striking red and black color scheme, which makes it stand out, plus it has some unique features. It comes with a dual anchor system, allowing you to change the width of the bodyweight resistance training straps very quickly.
That means you can build more complex workouts and push yourself further with this TRX knock off. Not only that, but you can also use the 3-level workout poster that comes with the suspension trainer, which is great if you’re not experienced with suspension training. 12 online workouts are available too, which means you’ll have plenty of guidance should you need it. Inline buckles also make adjusting the length between 16” to 94” very easy.
Because of the patented split anchor design, you can get narrow, neutral, and wide resistance angles, plus 3x more exercises than comparable suspension trainers. That makes it a suitable addition to our list of TRX alternative suspension trainers. It's also convenient to use outdoors, so if you prefer to exercise in nature once in a while, it’s an excellent choice for that.
Overall the Lifeline Jungle Gym suspension trainer is one of the best TRX alternatives that you can buy. If this bodyweight resistance trainer kit sounds good to you, give it a try.
Pros
Cons
Read More - How To Build A Calisthenics Home Gym
2. GoFit Gravity Straps (Best Budget TRX Alternative)
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. You’ll pay around $40-50 for them, and you’ll receive all the essential components you need for a solid suspension training workout.
You can change the resistance levels by altering the angle, starting point, or foundation, so you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to exercising. For those who aren’t familiar with suspension trainers, these ones only take a few seconds to install and don’t need any hardware.
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.
Unfortunately, the GoFit Gravity Straps have no specific advantages over the TRX trainers we’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’re traveling with the GoFit Gravity Straps.
Pros
Cons
Learn More - Guide To Building Muscle With Bands
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 only costs $70, so it’s another great deal if you’re on a budget. But like the TRX trainers, it’s designed for advanced users. That means you’ll want to have some experience with suspension training before you buy this model.
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. Of course, this will increase the cost, but it’s the ideal solution if your workouts are complex and intense.
The suspension training straps have also been designed with strength and durability in mind, featuring anodized cam buckles and high-grade webbing. And, with a maximum weight capacity of 450lbs, it's suitable for most users.
Not only that, the suspension straps have superior ergonomics as 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. You’ll also get hanging ab training straps, which is another bonus.
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.
It's one of the best suspension trainers around, especially for the cost.
Pros
Cons
Related Article - How Long Do Training Bands Last?
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 don’t like the other budget TRX alternatives we’ve covered, the KEAFOLS Bodyweight Fitness kit at around $50 gives you another choice. It’s simpler than many of the other alternative suspension trainers we’ve covered, and it’s versatile, meaning you can use it anywhere and perform a wide variety of exercises using it. These include yoga, CrossFit, resistance and strength training, and muscle conditioning.
The suspension straps that come with the KEAFOLS kit are also an effective TRX alternative because they lack defects and are easy on the skin, making them more comfortable to use.
As you'd expect, it has adjustable straps, meaning you can customize them to suit your needs while you're working out. Like most of the other suspension trainers, you'll receive the standard items - a door anchor, handled resistance straps, foot cradles (foot straps), a black drawstring mesh bag, and a user manual. However, no resistance bands are included.
My clients are a big fan of the foot cradles which are comfortable and allow you to perform a variety of additional core exercises like pikes. It's a great addition to this bodyweight resistance training kit.
The buckles are tough and hold the straps in place, but adjusting them to equal length is more challenging. This takes time that could otherwise be spent on working out. The KEAFOLS Bodyweight Fitness kit also has the same problem as the GoFit Gravity Straps, in that you need a door that opens outwards so that the door anchor works as it should.
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
Our final TRX alternative is the Mouylan YYOJ straps. It comes a wide range of accessories including:
- Mesh carry bag
- Extension strap
- Exercise guide
- Resistance band set
- Multi functioning fastener
I found the Mouylan YYOJ straps simple to adjust, which is nice to see as some TRX alternatives can be difficult to adjust.
The included extension straps can adjust the suspension straps all the way from your head to your toes, which means you get the opportunity to perform more exercises than you otherwise would.
I was impressed with the comfortable handles that felt extremely sturdy while performing inverted rows and body weight tricep extension. However, my hands did slip slightly when I got sweaty, it's not a major issue, but is something you should consider when choosing the best TRX alternative for you.
As with some of the other TRX substitutes on this list, there's no see-sawing action with the straps, so no friction exists to wear out the loops on the straps.
This bodyweight resistance training kit is a good TRX knock off for your home gym. As a personal trainer this system is ideal for training clients, it offers a wide range of adjustments and has fully adjustable straps.
Pros
Cons
Related Article - Calisthenics Body Vs Gym Body
Features To Look For When Choosing A TRX Alternative
Materials Used
The handles on TRX suspension trainers are made from padded foam, allowing you to grip them comfortably even during intense workouts. The premium quality carabiner clips tested to a weight capacity of 1300lbs are also fitted as standard, meaning you can give them a ton of pressure without any concerns. The TRX suspension straps are typically made from mesh nylon, a common material used in gym equipment, and this ensures they’ll remain stable and won’t fray.
Body Support
Because of the carabiner clips and comfortable handle grips, the TRX suspension training system provides plenty of support for the body while in use. This includes heavier exercises that place a greater demand on the straps, buckles, and clips.
Examples are pushes and squats. Locking loops also ensure there won’t be any slippage while you’re in the middle of an exercise. That means your body will be fully supported throughout your use of a TRX suspension trainer.
Ease Of Installation
Setting up the TRX suspension training system is simple and easy for anyone to do, even beginners. It simply requires choosing where you’re going to anchor it and using one of the anchors provided. These are typically either a door anchor or suspension anchor.
Once these are in place, you can use the buckles to adjust the straps and then lock them in place. The whole process shouldn’t take longer than a minute if you’ve got an ideal location in mind.
Versatility
One of the main benefits of a TRX suspension trainer is the number of exercises you can perform.
Because you’re using your body weight either alongside a door mount, or suspension anchor, there are many options.
The most common include squats, pushes, lunges, rotations, hinges, and pulls. These ensure that you can work out most of your body. Your only limit is when you’re strong enough that you’ll only maintain your muscles, not strengthen them more.
You should also consider the attachments such as foot cradles (foot straps), Olympic rings, resistance bands and others.
When selecting from the TRX alternatives on this list, make sure you can perform the exercises you want on them.
Handle Quality
It’s essential for suspension trainers like TRX models to have comfortable and durable handles, as these take a lot of the strain while you’re working out. That’s why they have a padded grip and are made of foam. If they weren’t, your skin could become raw or calloused. The handles on the TRX models we’ve looked at have all been sufficient for the most common exercises you’d use them for.
Also Check Out - Best Suspension Trainers For Garage Gyms
What Exactly Is A TRX Style Trainer? (Overview & Benefits)
TRX, or Total Body Resistance Exercise, is a highly beneficial workout method that relies on your body weight. However, it’s also the name of a fitness equipment brand that provides suspension trainers and other equipment.
The TRX brand is suited to combat athletes, soldiers, cyclists, runners, and more. They have various solutions for these groups of people and are known for providing high-quality products.
People buy from TRX suspension system because the TRX brand is highly reputable and is known as specialists in specific fields, like military training and elite athletics. That makes it easy for people to see the purposes their products have.
Their online digital training platform "The TRX training club" is also highly popular with users.
Delivers A Fast, Effective Total Body Workout
Because you’re relying on your body weight, all you need are the resistance straps on the suspension trainer you’re using, and then you’re good to go.
You can then exercise various muscle groups and build an entire workout around a TRX suspension trainer.
From that workout, you’ll gain flexibility, increase muscle strength, and achieve a balanced weight.
Then when you’re ready, you can incorporate heavier weights to build muscle or do more cardio to increase endurance.
Helps Build A Rock-Solid Core
Bodyweight training on the TRX and the TRX alternatives on this list help to develop a strong core. The core is crucial for stability, posture and aesthetics (gives you a six-pack). A workout with a TRX suspension trainer will target your abs and obliques, so it’s ideal for toning your core and carving out those abs. Over time, you’ll find you can hold positions for longer too, which will improve your core even more.
Benefits People Of All Fitness Levels
One of the common obstacles to developing a good workout routine if you’re a beginner is not being able to lift heavy weights. That typically means having to spend time doing bodyweight workouts first.
But because that’s not needed with suspension training, anyone can use it, from pro athletes to seniors. One of the most effective bodyweight workouts is with a suspension trainer, as you only need to go as far as you can.
Can Be Set-Up Anywhere
A TRX suspension system is convenient method of resistance training because it takes up almost no space at all and only requires a door to use. That means you can travel with it to a hotel, use it as part of a gym membership, or even set it up in your living room or back garden. Because it’s quick to pack away into it's mesh travel bag, you won’t have to worry about getting ready for guests or avoiding the rain either.
Muscles Worked Via Suspension Trainers
When using the TRX alternatives you'll be able to work the following muscles during your resistance training program.
Upper Back (Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Traps)
The upper back usually requires heavy weights or complex equipment to work out because of how the muscles are activated. You can perform pull-ups, but the best option is a suspension trainer if you’re not strong enough. It enables you to do rows, modified pull-ups, and get-ups. These hit all the muscles in your upper back.
Shoulders
The shoulders are a crucial muscle that helps with most lifts you’ll perform with your arms. Generally, the shoulders don’t need to be targeted separately as compound exercises will work them. So long as you roll your shoulders back and keep good posture, a suspension trainer will develop them as you add resistance with your body's weight.
Biceps
One of the most minor muscles in the body is the bicep, and they're also one of the most accessible muscles to work out. If you focus on them separately, you'll get minimal gains in terms of your overall fitness. But with the use of a suspension trainer, the contraction and expansion achieved throughout your movements will work your biceps.
Core
There is no more important muscle group for your posture, balance, and stability than your core. But it's difficult to reach it as the muscles are pretty deep in your body. Using the TRX trainer allows you to position yourself at different angles and move in multiple directions. That enables you to work your core muscles with it.
People Also Ask (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.
Learn More - Are Dumbbells Enough To Build Muscle?
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
RX alternative suspension trainers are plentiful, but there are some excellent choices among them, and we’ve covered them today. That means you should be able to make an informed decision about which suspension trainer is right for you.
Last Updated on May 17, 2023
