Why Suspension Training?
Suspension training has revolutionised home fitness by offering a versatile, space-saving solution that delivers full-body workouts with minimal equipment. These deceptively simple straps with handles provide constant instability, challenging muscles throughout your body while improving strength, flexibility, and core stability.
When you visit a gym, you’ve likely spotted those distinctive ropes with handles hanging from the ceiling. Many people walk right past them, unsure how to use them or worried about looking foolish. However, once you try suspension training, you’ll quickly discover it’s not only straightforward to understand but also an excellent option for improving various aspects of your fitness.
Suspension trainers are primarily used for strength training, as the constant instability created by the ropes challenges muscles throughout the body. They can also be used for yoga, Pilates, and even high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions.
This comprehensive guide will review the best suspension trainers available in 2025, helping you make an informed choice for your home workout needs.
Our Top Suspension Trainer Picks
Best Overall: TRX Pro4 System
The TRX Pro4 stands as the overall best quality suspension trainer, featuring markings, adjustable foot straps, and superior handles compared to any other product on the market. With antimicrobial rubber handles that resist bacteria and odour, this professional-grade system offers exceptional durability and performance.
Key features include:
- Antimicrobial rubber handles for superior grip
- Adjustable foot straps for varied exercises
- Connected straps for easier setup and use
- Weighs just 1kg, making it portable
- Weight capacity of 159kg (350lbs)
The Pro4’s adjustable markings allow for quick transitions between exercises, saving valuable workout time. While it comes at a premium price point (around £199.95), the investment delivers professional-grade quality that will last for years.
Best Value: TRX Home2 System
For home users seeking quality without the premium price tag, the TRX Home2 offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability. It comes in a close second to the Pro4, mainly because of the foam handles, which can collect sweat more easily, though the quality of the straps is just as good as the Pro4.
Key features include:
- Foam handles (comfortable but less durable than rubber)
- Adjustable foot straps
- Connected straps for simple setup
- Weighs just 0.7kg
- Weight capacity of 159kg (350lbs)
At around £129.95, the Home2 System provides an excellent entry point for serious home fitness enthusiasts.
Best for Beginners: Lifeline Jungle Gym
The foot cradle and split anchor design make the Lifeline Jungle Gym more user-friendly for beginners. This system features separate straps rather than connected ones, which offers more exercise variety but requires slightly more setup time.
Key features include:
- Plastic handles (less premium but durable)
- Easy-to-use foot cradles for leg exercises
- Separate straps for wider exercise variety
- Weighs 1.3kg
- Weight capacity of 272kg (600lbs)
The Lifeline Jungle Gym is priced around £89.99, making it an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on functionality.
Best Budget Option: KEAFOLS Suspension Trainer
The KEAFOLS stands out as a very good quality suspension trainer on a budget, unlike most knock-offs available. Despite its lower price point, it offers surprising durability and versatility for home users.
Key features include:
- Rubber handles for good grip
- Included foot straps
- Separate straps for exercise variety
- Weighs 1.3kg
- Weight capacity of 136kg (300lbs)
At approximately £35-45, this system provides excellent value for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Best Alternative: Rogue Gymnastics Rings
For those seeking a different approach to suspension training, Rogue offers super high-quality gymnastics rings at a very affordable price. These allow you to perform full bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups and dips.
Key features include:
- Wooden handles for exceptional grip
- Supports full bodyweight movements
- Separate straps for maximum versatility
- Weighs 1.8kg
- Weight capacity of 300kg (661lbs)
Priced around £72, these rings offer incredible durability and a different training stimulus compared to traditional suspension trainers.
Setting Up Your Suspension Trainer
Assuming you have a sturdy ceiling, door or bar to hang it from, a suspension trainer makes for a great home workout option. When purchasing, it’s crucial to be wary of quality, especially since you’re putting your entire bodyweight in the hands of ropes suspended from your ceiling.
Most quality systems come with multiple anchoring options:
- Door anchor: Fits between a door and its frame
- Ceiling anchor: For permanent mounting
- General anchor: Wraps around sturdy objects like beams or playground equipment
For home use, ensure your anchor point can safely support at least twice your body weight.
Benefits of Suspension Training
Research supports the effectiveness of suspension training. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine compared the results of weight exercises and similar TRX exercises, finding “no significant differences” between the two in terms of effectiveness.
Key benefits include:
- Portability: Take your gym anywhere
- Versatility: Hundreds of possible exercises
- Core engagement: Nearly every movement challenges your core
- Scalability: Easily adjust difficulty by changing body position
- Space efficiency: Stores in minimal space
Who Should Use Suspension Trainers?
Suspension training works for nearly everyone, from fitness beginners to advanced athletes. However, there is one limitation worth noting: advanced gym-goers looking to build significant muscle mass may find that suspension training alone isn’t enough. For those seeking to “bulk up,” suspension training can supplement a workout plan but not entirely replace weights.
Finding Your Perfect Trainer
When selecting a suspension trainer, consider your fitness goals, budget, and experience level. For most home users, the TRX Home2 offers the best balance of quality and value, while professionals or serious enthusiasts might prefer the Pro4’s premium features.
Beginners should consider the Lifeline Jungle Gym for its user-friendly design, while those on a tight budget will find the KEAFOLS provides remarkable value. Meanwhile, gymnastic ring enthusiasts or those seeking greater challenge might prefer Rogue’s wooden rings.
Whichever system you choose, suspension training offers an incredibly efficient, versatile workout solution that can transform any space—from your living room to a hotel room or local park—into a complete gym.