You’d be forgiven if you thought that suspension training equipment looks like a medieval torture device. But in actual fact, suspension training is a great way to use your own bodyweight with a combination of straps, cords, rings, ropes, or chains to exercise your muscles. Understanding the different types of suspension training equipment can make the process a lot less daunting.
Swings
Yes, just like the ones which you find in playgrounds! While they are not as effective as some of the other suspension training equipment, swings are more accessible. Swings are also a great way to get into suspension training if you are unsure about it.
Swings can promote knee and hip hinge movements during exercise. They can be used for standing exercises, where you grab onto the chains, or you can place your legs on the seat of the swing to perform elevated exercises.
Yoke Bar
The Yoke Bar has a single overhead attachment joint that is affixed to a horizontal bar. Two separate chains hang vertically from this bar. This provides a three-axis rotation that can twist, move forward and backwards, as well as move side to side.
This adds instability, which engages more muscle groups such as your hips, abdominals, back and shoulders.
The Yoke Bar increases muscle stamina, improves strength and flexibility and enhances your core stability.
Gymnastics Rings
Gymnastics Rings have two separate attachment joints. This allows your joints to work independently. It is also possible for you to adjust the distance and height of the rings. This enables you to do different variations of exercises – with your feet on or off the ground, with your hands through the rings or even with your feet through the rings (although a lot more difficult).
Gymnastic Rings can improve your stability, upper body strength muscles and mobility. They are also mobile, but it does require a lot of effort and takes up a lot of space.
Suspension Straps
Suspension Straps have a single anchor point. They are very lightweight and portable. You can hang it from doors, jungle gyms, trees or any other suspended beams.
They are very limiting due to their single anchor points but can be just as beneficial and a lot less daunting than some of the other suspension training equipment.
Resistance Bands
While it doesn’t seem like they are part of the suspension training regime, they do require you to use your own body weight in order to achieve the result that you want for your body. Owing to the fact they come in various resistances and are extremely portable, these bands are a phenomenal way for you to keep up with your exercise routine when you’re on the road.
Once you understand the different components that makeup suspension training equipment you can choose one that seems the least scary for you. Suspension training equipment is not only good for building muscle and strength, but it also improves your balance, stability and flexibility. It is a fantastic way to engage your entire body.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we focus on developing fitness instructors who will train you in the exercise modality that you prefer. From our suite of accredited personal training qualifications to suspension training courses, Yoga and Pilates training courses, if you want to become a fitness guru, you need to talk to us! Check out this link to find out more about our fitness courses.