TRX Suspension Training

[Dogmama]

Has anybody done this? I'm looking at a suspension system called a Jungle Gym that is similar to TRX but doesn't join in the middle so you can move each handle out. I'm trying to find something different that uses more muscle groups & falls into "functional" training - rather than bicep curls with dumbbells. Also, it is very portable, can be used at home or on the road, or in a park when the weather is nice.

I thought we had talked about this but did a search & found nothing - so apologies if I'm repeating a thread.

[Catrin]

I remember a thread on this, perhaps in Other Sports? I seem to remember some discussion on how to build your own, but I might be confusing this forum with the one at Mark's Daily Apple. I've considered either a TRX or a Bosu for home, I really don't have room for either so I've not pulled the trigger either way.

[OakLeaf]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=jungle+gym

[Dogmama]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ght=jungle+gym

OakLeaf - thanks!! I think I'm going to order the jungle gym. I'm a gym rat at heart but this is a hard time of year to go to the gym. So many new people coupled with colds & flu going around. I was in the locker room with a lady who was seriously sick but determined to keep that new year's resolution.

[ridebikeme]

I own a Jungle Gym, and although the customer service is absolutely the worse of all of the big comapnies; they are the best quality straps. I bought a set for myself last July and can attest that suspension training is quick and can be very beneficial. I actually teach a couple of different suspension straps classes throughout the week and have seen a big difference with clients.

Good luck in your training!!

[Kernyl]

My trainer has some straps set up that we use some time for suspension training. Some of it is really hard. I like it just as another way to mix it up and keep workouts from getting too repetitive. I'd get bored if we did the same thing every week.

[Catrin]

Yes, I've already thought about mobility work...I also do some banded distraction to help joint capsule mobility.

My Chiro tells me that 1/2 and full Turkish Getups will do wonders for my shoulder and general t-spine mobility... with or without a kettlebell. Today I was able to do the 1/2 version in group and my shoulder felt more stable than it has in years Obviously I use a very light weight for that, nothing close to what I use for KB swings and squats.

[ridebikeme]

That's a good report!! Any decisions made about suspension straps yet?

[Catrin]

That's a good report!! Any decisions made about suspension straps yet?

Not until after I move in a bit over a month, but it will likely be the Jungle Gym XT, for price more than anything. I do like the foot cradle and have read the handles last longer.

[Catrin]

I received my Jungle Gym yesterday and I think that it is going to work out great! I'm uncomfortable using the door anchors, my interior doors are not...robust. Wall stud anchors are available for a very reasonable cost that are each rated for 300 pounds. I will be ordering them next week.

I really like the straps aren't connected. I played with them today and noted they don't scrape my arms in some exercises like the actual TRX does. I am glad I went for this less expensive alternative and I think it will serve me for a very long time.

I think the Jungle Gym, a couple of kettlebells and a long resistance band will prettu much cover everything I need. I already have a lighter KB, eventually will get a heavier one for swings.

[Dogmama]

I love my Jungle Gym for exactly the reasons you said. Plus the foot/hand cradles are easy to use. I'm going to be getting a KB & have a heavy resistance band. I agree - that's pretty much the set up that anybody needs.

[Catrin]

I considered a pullup bar to anchor the straps but I don't know that my shoulder will ever allow a proper pullup. I can with the largest of the resistance bands but my shoulder still can't rotate properly. The wall anchor is much less. I will reconsider if things change.

[ridebikeme]

Catrin,
Do you have an unfinished basement of garage? You can also buy a metal pipe and install that within the floor joists/ceilings joists. It's very stable if done correctly, and quite inexpensive.

Have fun with your new straps

[Catrin]

Catrin,
Do you have an unfinished basement of garage? You can also buy a metal pipe and install that within the floor joists/ceilings joists. It's very stable if done correctly, and quite inexpensive.

Have fun with your new straps

I've a second floor apartment, so sadly that isn't an option. Thankfully they have no problem with my installing wall stud anchors. They aren't that inexpensive, but each anchor is rated for 300 lbs - so considering I weigh 124 I think they will work I am having a handyman friend of mine install them so I don't wind up messing up the wall.

[ridebikeme]

Another option would be to install the wall mounts in a ceiling; it would give you more angles to work with in terms of using your bodyweight. I have a set of the wall mounts as well, and at some plan to moun them to the ceiling.

Have fun with the straps!!