Body Leverage Training can be done without any equipment at all, but there are tools that make it easy to modify exercises to suit any fitness level. For the smallest form factor and minimum expense, consider building it yourself with off-the-shelf parts. There are no affiliate links on this page but any advice should be used with caution or not at all. Take care to prevent choking hazards to children or pets when your straps are not in use.
Inexpensive and time-tested: Gymnastics Rings
The oldest and least expensive of the options above is gymnastics rings. Notable for their dual anchor points, they offer all the staples of bodyweight exercise: dips, pull-ups, and even muscle-ups. More importantly, separate anchor points increase stability and maximize pec/delt activation (see study). Single/narrow anchors produce greater triceps/core activation but also elbow compression. That’s fine for some, but—as always—the dose makes the poison. Rings will not spin in your hands, reducing the grip challenge on full body weight pull-ups and conferring needed stability for dips and one-arm presses. Spinning handles reduce friction to allow exercises like curls, extensions, and W’s (external shoulder rotation). If you don’t have room for a pair of rings in your bag, consider a more compact option in AbMat quarter rings or even your own DIY gymnastics rings.
Straight Handle Options: TRX, Recoil, NOSSK, WorldFit, and Kensui
The most familiar body leverage tool is the TRX Suspension Trainer™ by trxtraining.com. The “TM” tells the story: this is the gadget that gave gymnastics rings a run for their money. The design allows for quick transitions from pulling to pushing exercises (no need to let go of the handles between sets) and increased comfort over rings for foot-suspended exercises. All that said, they haven’t shied away from cashing in on their brand recognition. If you’re looking to invest in a premium set of straps, consider the comparably priced Recoil S2, which offers the same single-anchor option with easier, faster adjustments and a ten-year warranty that speaks to its durability. TRX warranties range from two to five years.
For a two-anchor option at a bare minimum of cost, consider the no-frills but well-reviewed NOSSK Gym Trainer. These heavy duty straps are versatile enough for advanced movements like dips and pull-ups. Unlike their other models, this one doesn’t have a door anchor, but options abound.
Even more basic is the WorldFit ISO Trainer with its single strap design. Meant for isometric training, it’s equally suited to suspension exercise. Just loop it over a sturdy anchor with a cow hitch knot.
Kensui Nanobars V2 are the first set of straps to offer the choice of rotation or stability depending on the position of the handle. The price is reasonable but the gymnastics rings style strap requires significant time to adjust. It is possible to use the loop as a foot cradle but your results may vary.
Do It Yourself Strength Training Rig (STR)
For less than $50 worth of off-the-shelf parts, select the features you like.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1) Handles
Lights Mountain (Ali Express 1, Ali Express 2) (Amazon link) ~ $20 shipped
OR DIY handles (including a curved, “quarter ring” option for increased stability) ~ $0 – $14
2) Cam Buckles & Straps
2 x 6′ Rollercam Loop Ends (Rollercam.com) ~ $25 shipped
3) Optional Accessories:
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- DIY door anchor: use 26″ to 30″ of 1″ tubular webbing (sold by the foot at REI) to create a loop using a water knot (2800lb strength) or beer knot (3,200lb+ strength) ~ $2.50
- Over-the-door anchor (Amazon), ceiling/wall mounts (Amazon), or
D-ring anchor ~$5 – $30 - Garren Fitness Pull-up bar (Amazon) Excellent alternative to door, ceiling, and wall anchors that does double duty as an easy-to-reach pull-up bar.
Pay a small premium for this bar’s excellent safety features: 1) The handle won’t spin 2) Brackets—neither friction or luck—keep it locked in place! ~$50
Note: I’d use a doorway large enough to leave a hand’s width of metal on the right and left
DIY STR • Parts: Lights Mountain handle set (bag included) and two 6′ Rollercam webbing loops
Two “Big Bight” door anchors from 26″ of 1″ tubular webbing. See the beer knot design here. A shorter length might not allow the ~6.5″ of overlap required for this style of knot.
A 26″ length of webbing on this door produces a 4″ loop from which to anchor your straps. Here’s one way to attach your door anchors to loop-end straps.
A Garren Fitness (Amazon) doorway mounted pull-up bar makes a great dual anchor option for the straps of your choice. Rated for up to 330 lbs.
STR hung from a pull-up bar
What sets it apart? My STR “Must Haves” 👇
• Versatility of gymnastics rings (suitable for dips, pull-ups, muscle-ups)
• Shoulder width anchors for optimal biomechanics whether pushing or pulling
• Stable enough for absolute beginners
• Ergonomic handles
• Ultraportable
• Strong and durable
• Handles that can come completely off the straps for fast setup and take down and for use with pull-up bars and stretching.
• Ability to move handles to shoulder-height or higher for vertical pushing and pulling
• Integrated foot cradles (just slide the handles up and out of the way and put your feet on the webbing)
Wondering about other possibilities? There are hundreds out there but here are a couple more you might consider:
TRX next to the Five Minute Clone and Chain alternatives
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