Homemade Suspension Trainer

Homemade Suspension Trainer – Part II

Jul
2010

(Please refer to Part I as well)

It has been over six months since I wrote about the homemade suspension trainer. The original unit has been used regularly since January and is still as good as new. It has certainly proved to be a useful DIY project. I also appreciate all of the comments posted to the original entry. Several readers shared ideas and modifications when constructing their own units.

Within this follow up entry, I will discuss a few of the more commonly asked about modifications. To begin, several readers have asked about single vs. double point attachments. In the original entry, I demonstrated a single point attachment model. The unit therefore resembles an upside down Y (similar to: ⅄). Perhaps the greatest advantage of the single point model is that it is faster to make height adjustments, as you only need to adjust the top strap. One disadvantage is that the straps tend to be a bit rough on the arms when performing exercises such as dips. The single point also isn’t as convenient when performing unilateral exercises (discussed later in this entry).

Fortunately, it is quite easy and inexpensive to construct a double point attachment model. All that you’ll need are lashing straps and handles. The final product is similar to commercial products such as gymnastic rings and blast straps.

As you can see above, the straps are independent of each other. These straps are therefore much more useful for exercises such as dips and muscle-ups.

The double attachment also makes these straps more useful for unilateral exercises. Simply slide the second strap out of the way.

Below you can see how I perform a single arm rollout without any interference from the second strap. Once again, each strap is independent, so one does not connect or interfere with another.

Single arm body rows are just one of many more unilateral options.

Handles

Another commonly asked question about the original entry was in regards to the homemade handles. Many readers were interested in other handle options. For this entry, I’ve used triangular playground rings.

I’ve had these handles for over 5 years now. They are easy to find at playground equipment suppliers. The tape that’s been added to my handles was added a few years ago to increase thickness. It certainly isn’t necessary to add the tape.

Knots and Foot Straps

Another common question following the first entry was in regards to knot tying for the homemade handles and foot straps. By using triangular rings, you won’t need to tie any knots. The handles attach to the lashing straps via a spring link and quick-link connector (another option for handles would be DIY rings).

As for the foot straps seen within the original entry, I came across a useful alternative by accident. I was hanging something in my garage from a Husky Hang-All and realized that it would work well as a foot strap. I returned to Home Depot to purchase another and paid approximately $6.50. Each Hang-All includes a spring link connector so they can attach directly to each lashing strap.

You can quickly adjust the velcro for a custom fit foot strap. DIY foot straps should be easy to make as well (ex. using your own velcro strips).

Summary

Although this entry is new, I’m actually more familiar with double point attachment straps. I first built something similar several years ago. It is difficult for me to say which style (single vs. double) is better however, as both have pros and cons. Personally, I’m glad to have built both. Each project is fairly inexpensive and I get plenty of use with each version.

Therefore, if you plan to build only one, consider which exercises you wish to perform and where you wish to attach the straps. Make your decision accordingly. Either way, you should have a long lasting piece of equipment that can be quite challenging and beneficial.

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

Homemade Equipment Archives