Suspension Trainers
 

I know these are no longer popular but does anyone still use them? If so, what brand? I’m considering trx or rip 60. I’m also wondering how well it’s held up and if it still works ok or broke.

And if you bought one and hate it or love it, please share that too!
Thanks!!!

I have the TRX, Jungle Gym(JG) and Rip60. The TRX/JG are slightly more substantial and feel like they will last longer than Rip60 but they are all sturdy enough to get a good workout. I tend to reach for the TRX/JG more because the handles are more comfortable and they just feel more sturdy for the type of moves I do. I like them all though!!

I love using a sandbag with the TRX. My favorite Rip60 workout is the one with George St. Pierre---no frills, solid/functional workout. Though I may be biased because I like his Rushfit set so much.

I have had the TRX for at least 5 years and it has held up well although I don't use it alot. For that reason I kind of wish DH saved some money and got me the JG. However I think it is a great piece of equipment to have. I don't do workouts that are exclusively suspension trainer moves but use it in combo with body weight, weights and cardio exercises. It is really helpful for increasing range of motion for moves like pistol squats or skater squats.

I have had my JG for several years. It’s attached to my power cage so it's always at the ready for any workout that has moves like pistol squats or pull-ups (I cannot do a pull-up so I just squat down and use my arms to pull me back to a stand. I don’t know if that’s the same thing as a pull-up but it works.) It looks about like it did when I bought it. Just the handgrips are a little dirty looking. I should use it more regularly because it is a legitimate piece of equipment and really works your total body in a unique way.

I have the Rip60 and it has held up well over the years.

Thanks for the responses. I did look at the Jungle Gym but saw some comments on Amazon that the rubber clip slides down and that would annoy the crap outta me. Anyone have that experience?

The TRX is obviously the most popular and most used so I tend to think it's more sturdy. But it's also quite expensive. And I want to use it as part of kettlebell/body weight workouts...not necessarily exclusive suspension trainer workouts. I'd love to get a Woss because of the price but I see it's no longer available.

I've read that the handles on the Rip 60 aren't comfortable so that is scaring me off from ordering it. :(

If anyone else has an comments, please chime in. Much appreciate! Thanks!

over the years, different brands have become available - any other experiences with other brands?

I've never had the clips on the JG slide but my unit is about 8yrs old. It could be that JG has cut some corners over the years. I don't hear about them as much as when they 1st came on the market.

I have an older TRX Tactical and and newer TRX regular set and both are rock solid after heavy use. The Rip60 has seen moderate use and has held up well. The handles are less comfy than on the TRX/JG but only by comparison. My hands have never been uncomfortable while using the Rip60.

BTW, I found both of my TRX sets new/unopened for about $10 ea at the thrift. I was thrilled when I found the 1st one and beyond astonished when I found the second set. I keep extra sets so that friends/family can join me. Kids love them :love: I also use the 2nd set for double ups etc.


ETA-- TRX sold off their dvd inventory on Amazon a few years back at 2.99-3.99 per. I bought them all (including the Pavel KB/TRX program) as streaming is not an option for me (and the streaming prices were higher then). I see they still have 1 lower priced DVD (Performance Team Sports) left on Amazon. It is a solid workout.

Taiga, you are crazy strong if you can do those.

I have both the Rip60 and TRX. I have had both for years and I use them regularly and both have held up well over the years. I use my Rip60 more often than the TRX because the handles are larger and wider and this makes foot placement easier. Also you can remove the handles and use alternate handles. I have used my D handles gymnastic rings and even ankle straps with the Rip60. I do not find the handles uncomfortable. I also like that you can chose the rotation or no rotation with the Rip60.

I tend to train without shoes now but did appreciate the large openings on the Rip60 when I was in athletic shoes.

I did start them after my 1st round of STS because I was so much stronger/lighter after that. But I went on to work with pilates equipment and can definitely say that these type of workouts will also prep you for these TRX moves. In fact I use the double TRX workouts to offset the fact that I no longer have access to a cadillac (I have a reformer/tower combo that will let me get most of the moves).

Having said all that, weight is a huge part of it for me. If I gain even 5lbs, push ups and double ups get substantially harder (if not impossible). I lost 15-20lbs doing STS and I'm sure now that was a big part of getting a better push-up/pull-up etc count. Hard to believe that such a small amt of weight can make a difference but then you think about using micro weights/weight plates during heavy lifting. At some point, you just hit a wall or tipping point when you can't press out another ounce.

I love the Pavel TRX workouts. There is something with combining kettlebells and a suspension trainer that is subtly challenging. Lauren Brooks workout is that way for me too. Oh, and Tracey Staehle’s two workouts too.

I also haven’t had any trouble with clips on my JG.

I wonder if the clip issue on the JG is on fakes on Amazon. I’m seriously afraid to make a purchase like that on Amazon.

So I’m completely confused on which to get. Knowing what you know now, which would you get? I’m leaning towards rip 60 because it’s cheaper and has the dvds. But realistically, I probably won’t do the dvds. Just use them for exercise ideas.

Amazon has an excellent refund policy. If the JG set is defective, they will generally refund quickly and pay return shipping.

The Rip60 has also been great. It might be an excellent starter set for you and if you want to graduate to a more expensive TRX later, they have good Black Friday sales. Honestly, if you are leaning toward Rip60, it's an affordable choice and you'll likely enjoy it :sun:

Thank you! I really appreciate your input and advice. And that’s good to know about Amazon. I didn’t know about their return policy.

Thanks for the reminder :) I haven't done the Staehle workouts in so long----I need to pull those out again! I remember liking them but gravitated toward other instructors and sort of forgot them.

Not to be Debbie Downer....but be safe and careful! Mine came out of the door and I flles across the room and landed on my wrist resulting in a Colles fracture (bad -- splintered and jand jammed into a V)I unfamiliar with it. Now I have plate and screws. Haven't used it since.... But I just got it out to use....but I'll be super careful !!!!
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Where is everyone mounting the trainers? I’m also interested in getting one. Thanks!

I hang my trainers on the ceiling, though I can also use the Invisi-mounts (mostly placed for the rip trainer) I have placed in several rooms. I much prefer the ceiling.

I have a power cage which is heavy enough to not topple over. My JG is hanging from that. That probably won’t work for everyone if you don’t have enough room. I’ve never tried it on a door. Whatever you put it on make sure it can support you weight at different angles. A ceiling support is ideal if you can find the studs to screw into.

That’s awful! I’m so sorry! What trainer did you have?

So I bought the Jungle Gym. It got goood reviews and was inexpensive. I just got it today and it’s very well made. It feels more substantial than the trx I tried at the gym. And I love the handles and the foot cradles.

what brand and model did you have?

BTW...TRX has 25% off of bundles and $30 off trainers.

I wish my husband got me the JG instead of the TRX. I use the JG at the gym and frankly don’t think the TRX is worth the extra$.
Enjoy your new toy.

Thanks! It’s really sturdy! And much cheaper

I'm in the market for a suspension trainer and looking at the intent sports on amazon for $45. There are cheaper and definitely more expensive ones. Does anyone have any experience with this one or things I should be considering? I will use it door mounted and on my pull up bar. Thanks.