Suspension Trainer Systems for Home Gyms and Travel: TRX vs Rings vs Bands vs DIY
- The Team at Gym Reviewer
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 29
TL;DR – Best Suspension Trainers for Home & Travel
Looking for the quick breakdown? Here are the top picks:
✅ TRX Straps – The gold standard for all-around suspension training.
✅ Titan Rings – Affordable, minimalist, and perfect for strength and calisthenics.
✅ Resistance Bands – Ultra-portable and great for travel, warm-ups, and rehab.
✅ DIY Suspension Trainer: Heavy Duty Straps + Handles – Build your own budget setup.
Top of the Line Upgrades:
🔥 TRX Pro Kit – Premium comfort and durability.
🔥 Elite Wooden Rings – High-grip, pro-level training rings.
🔥 Reinforced Bands – Long-lasting, heavy-duty set for serious training.
Why Suspension Training Works
Suspension training has exploded in popularity for good reason. Whether you’re working out in your home gym, a hotel room, or outdoors, suspension trainers unlock hundreds of bodyweight movements that build strength, mobility, balance, and endurance.
Key benefits of suspension training:
Full-body workouts: Rows, presses, squats, lunges, planks, and more—all with one tool.
Joint-friendly: Bodyweight leverage reduces stress while still delivering intensity.
Scalable: Adjusting your body angle makes exercises easier or harder instantly.
Portable: Folds into a small pouch and anchors almost anywhere.
Affordable: Compared to power racks, barbells, and dumbbells, suspension trainers are a budget win.
What to Look for in a Suspension Trainer
When shopping for a suspension trainer, consider these factors:
Durability: Look for reinforced stitching, heavy-duty webbing, and strong buckles.
Comfort: Foam or rubber handles improve grip and long-session comfort.
Anchor Versatility: Can it attach to doors, trees, beams, or racks?
Portability: Does it fold into a compact travel bag?
Price vs Value: Balance budget with reliability.
TRX Straps: The Industry Standard
TRX straps are the original suspension trainer, designed by a Navy SEAL. They’re found in gyms worldwide and remain the most recognized system.
Pros:
Premium build quality and materials.
Comfortable padded handles.
Versatile anchor options (door, ceiling, outdoor).
Access to TRX’s vast workout library and online classes.
Cons:
Higher price than alternatives.
Some users report handle wear after years of use.
Not made in the USA (Complete list of companies that make products in America)
Price Range: $100–$250
Best For: Beginners to advanced athletes wanting a polished, durable system with guided content.
Gymnastic Rings: Simple, Brutal, Effective
Gymnastic rings are the minimalist’s suspension trainer. With two wooden rings and adjustable straps, you can build raw strength and stability.
For a full
Pros:
Affordable ($30–$60).
Wooden rings offer unbeatable grip and comfort.
Builds serious upper-body and core strength.
Extremely compact for travel.
Cons:
Steeper learning curve.
Limited lower-body options compared to TRX.
Price Range: $30–$60
Best For: Calisthenics athletes, strength-focused lifters, and budget-conscious buyers.
Resistance Bands: Travel-Friendly Strength
Resistance bands aren’t suspension trainers in the strictest sense, but they deserve a spot on this list. They combine portability with variable resistance, making them a perfect supplement.
Pros:
Lightweight and travel-ready.
Great for mobility, rehab, and warm-ups.
Adds variable resistance to lifts and bodyweight drills.
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy pulling (like rows).
Bands can snap if over-stretched.
Price Range: $20–$60
Best For: Frequent travelers, athletes rehabbing injuries, and those needing lightweight equipment.
DIY Suspension Trainers: Budget Meets Creativity
For the DIY crowd, building your own suspension trainer is easy—and cheap. With strong straps and solid handles, you can create a system that rivals commercial gear.
Pros:
Cost-effective ($30–$50 total).
Customizable to your needs.
Surprisingly durable if quality components are used.
Cons:
Safety depends on proper setup.
No warranty or polished features.
DIY Parts:
Top of the Line Upgrades
If you want the best suspension trainer setup possible, these upgrades deliver elite comfort and longevity:
Head-to-Head Comparison Chart
Feature | TRX Straps | Gymnastic Rings | Resistance Bands | DIY Trainer |
Price | $$$ | $ | $ | $ |
Durability | High | Very High | Medium | Variable |
Learning Curve | Low | Medium/High | Low | Medium |
Portability | High | High | Very High | High |
Versatility | High | High (upper body) | Medium | High |
Best For | All levels | Strength focus | Travel & rehab | Budget DIY |
Suspension Trainer Exercises (Sample Workouts)
Here’s how you can use suspension trainers in real workouts:
TRX Workout (Full Body)
TRX Rows – 3×12
TRX Chest Press – 3×12
TRX Lunges – 3×10 each leg
TRX Plank to Pike – 3×10
Rings Workout (Upper Body Strength)
Ring Push-Ups – 4×10
Ring Dips – 4×8
Ring Rows – 4×12
L-Sit Hold – 3×30 sec
Bands Workout (Travel)
Band Squats – 3×15
Band Rows – 3×12
Band Overhead Press – 3×12
Band Pull-Aparts – 3×15
Which Suspension Trainer Should You Choose?
TRX Straps: Best all-around choice for beginners and advanced users who want a professional system.
Gymnastic Rings: Best for serious strength and calisthenics training.
Resistance Bands: Best for travel, warm-ups, and rehab.
DIY Trainer: Best for budget-conscious users who don’t mind building their own gear.
💡 Pro Tip: Many lifters combine rings + straps for the ultimate hybrid setup.
Final Thoughts
Suspension training proves you don’t need bulky machines or heavy weights to get strong. Whether you choose TRX, gym rings, resistance bands, or a DIY setup, you’ll have a portable and effective tool for building strength anywhere.
👉 Want more gear reviews, DIY builds, and training guides?
Take a look at this guide we made on building a Home Gym!
Stay strong,
Gym Reviewer 🌴
