More recent options for a suspension trainer can be found and

Below is a video that has been added to the homemade equipment archive of the forum.  Within the video, you will find instructions on how to build an inexpensive, yet durable homemade suspension trainer.

These suspension training tools have become very popular in the last few years.  The downside has been the expensive price tag that is required to purchase one.  If you are interested in a homemade alternative, this tutorial should come in handy.

Building My Own

After watching this video, I decided to build one of my own suspension trainers.  I already had a pair of 12 foot lashing straps so I only needed to purchase one more.  The cost was minimal.  I had all of the other parts.  If I had to purchase everything new, I’m guessing that the cost would have been around $15.  If you can’t find anything in your area, is one site that sells inexpensive, yet strong straps.

I followed the instructions provided within the video above. I did make one small adjustment to the foot handles however.  My lashing straps were too long (12 feet) so I cut them down to 8 feet and created foot straps with the extra length.

An image of the mid-point connection can be seen next:

I used the recommended bowline knot to secure the straps.  I also added a layer of Gorilla tape around each knot.  If you are unfamiliar with a bowline knot, a quick search of Google will bring up several tutorials:

In terms of adjusting the device to various heights, I’ve found that I only need to adjust the top lashing strap.  I have the bottom two straps set at a fixed length.  It takes a matter of seconds to adjust the length of the top strap.  I have my device secured overhead, but it could be easily packed for the road.

This is one of the easiest pieces of equipment that I’ve put together.  It took less than 10 minutes to complete.

As for testing it out, below is a quick video demonstration.  This was my first test drive with the device.  There are obviously countless exercises that you could perform with it.  I just videotaped a few that came to mind this morning.  I will likely add more in the future.  For example, dips are one more that I thought of after taping.  The device is certainly strong enough to hold me for dips.

Related Links:

For those who are new to the site, you can view the full homemade equipment archive at the link below.