TRX Suspension Training

[Catrin]

Dogmama, or anyone else who has the Jungle Gym XT. The website, and the company (I called them) strongly recommends that this only be used on a door that opens away from you. Have you found that this matters? I've spoken with the company who makes the TRX and they do not have the same requirement - they focus more on making certain no one opens the door while you are using it (obvious).

I saw my new apartment yesterday - I wish that I had waited until they resurfaced the kitchen counters but that is another story. The way the door/closet is designed in the room that I will use for such activities, I will actually need to use it in the hallway rather than in the room itself. Unless, that is, I can figure out how to attach it on a sliding closet door - though my guess is the sliding door wouldn't be strong enough.

[tealtreak]

on the "strong enough" comment- the facility director at our Y made a huge deal about "no, we can't put the trx cables there".... (were we wanted them) because there was no supporting beam.....though 8 sets is a different load than one..be careful!

[Dogmama]

They probably want the added reinforcement of the door frame to hold the Jungle Gym. Because you're putting yourself in some really dangerous positions if it fails - I would tend to agree with them.

[Catrin]

I've not yet made my mind up, but I don't have room in my current apartment for either suspension system. I will probably get the Jungle Gym for the price, and the way my new apartment is laid out I will either be in my hallway between the bedrooms.

Thanks for the input!

[ridebikeme]

I own the Jungle Gym XT and have it installed via bike hooks, and have used it that way for well over a year. Although I would say that you could also use their wall mounted unit as well. I also teach a suspension straps class, and I had a bar installed so that it is actually tied into the roofing supports. You can certainly use either system on a door, but you tend to lose alot of steeper angles when you start to progress... and with your background with lifting I would defintiely think you would want that. Is there any chance that you could install a pull up bar other than as a door mount and attach straps to that?

[Catrin]

I would love to do that, but I don't think my apartment manager would approve...however it IS worth asking! I will be moving into an upstairs apartment - top floor- so there would certainly be enough roofing supports available.

I do have my eye on a pair of steel Kettlebells Probably not until next year though as they are not cheap. just something for swings and squats.

[Catrin]

Now you lovely ladies have me thinking about installing a pullup bar in my new apartment. I checked, and I CAN install something on the wall but not the ceiling. Something like this would fit me well, and the combined cost of the Jungle Gym XT plus the rig wouldn't cost much more than the TRX! Nothing happens until after I move though I suspect there are likely less expensive pullup rigs out there, though this one looks solid. I've plenty of time to look and I do not think I want to use a "doorway pullup bar" for this.

A suspension system, pull-up rig, and a couple of steel kettlebells, and, in the winter, my bike on the trainer would give me all I could possibly want for home use. This is something to develop over time, and it is possible I could even find something at a Goodwill store... It is probably good I am a renter and don't have a garage, it would be nice to play with heavy weights at home. This could get REAL expensive, but thankfully I only have a small bedroom in a second floor apartment for this - and a fantastic gym to carry out most of my 'gym rat' activities

[ridebikeme]

Your idea of workout equipment is what I have set up in the shop. The ceilings are quite high, 9 feet+, so the pullup bar and straps are easily out of the way while open... but gives me plenty of opportunity during other times. Although I'm sure that you have put alot of thought into this, there are lots of flexibililty/mobility movements you could do with the straps... perhaps it might help your shoulder?

Good luck in your move; sounds like you might just have teh perfect place to work out!

[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