The Top Ten Gym Equipment - You Will Never Need Anything Else Part 3

#3 Suspension Trainer

Once you have kitted up with your pull up bar and dip bars, the next logical step is to add a suspension trainer. This can be attached to your pull up bar (assuming it will not topple when doing exercises that pull away from the bar).

You now have all of the gear for the most phenomenal exercise regime.

The Daddy of all the trainers and most famous is the TRX.


This is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment - invented by a former US Marine who wanted to keep in shape after he finished his military service. One of those ideas that seemed so obvious and has led so many people to question why they didn't think of it first!

The main downside of this is the cost - the TRX will fetch up to £200 retail. There are much cheaper variants that can be picked up on eBay for the £20 - 30 although their functionality may not be as good (you tend in life to only get what you pay for). Still worthwhile to consider as an entry point until you know you are going to use it habitually.

The single fulcrum to which the straps are attached can create chafing on some exercises but there are also a number of advantages, in particular that the straps can be quickly fine-tune adjusted (once you have adjusted the length appropriate to the exercise) to ensure the strap lengths are equal. If you think that is irrelevant then try one without (such as the separate straps on gym rings) and you will quickly realise what a benefit it is!

I find trainers really useful for exercises such as pec flyes, horizontal (or inverted) rows and support for pistol squats.

The other really useful point is the foot straps at the end of the hand grips. This helps add to the range of exercises that can be done. Try using with your feet in the straps for decline push ups and mountain climbers.

So go grab yourself a cheap trainer and start experimenting with what can be done

Happy training

Andy at Fitter Future