Suspension Training for CrossFit & Functional Training
What is Suspension Training?
Suspension training is all about harnessing your own bodyweight against gravity and performing suspended exercises to develop strength, balance, flexility and joint mobility-all at the same time. It can also be adjusted completely to suit the individual One of the major benefits of suspension training is that, as exercises are carried out in a suspended state, your core will receive a great workout as you need to stabilise yourself against the forces of gravity.
What Do You Need for Suspension Training?
You will need to buy a suspension trainer which is essentially two handles with lengths of adjustable webbing which can be fixed to a stationery object such as a door or wall.
One of the best suspension trainers is the TRX system as it offers a superior industrial level quality build, integrated foot cradles and club grade hand grips. You can fit the suspension trainer to almost anything in your home and it even comes with a door attachment.
Other brands include the Jungle Gym which has the added bonus of two separate straps which means you can perform wide grips, single arm straight grips and much more. With Jungle Gym you can also purchase special wall anchors which will withstand weight of up to 300 lbs and also strap extenders.
What are the Benefits?
Suspension training is good for strength training, flexibity, core body workout and stability and agility training. What makes it unique is that you have to stabilise your body in a suspended state which adds a completely new dimension to your training. Also, if you do get hooked you might want to check out ring training by purchasing some gymnastic rings.
Gymnastic rings were in some ways the original suspension trainer. They are also ideal for performing ring dips, muscle ups and more. They are incredibly strong and will add yet another dimension to your suspension training programme.
Added advantages of suspension trainers include the fact that they are portable so you could take your suspension trainer on holiday with you and even to work. It’s relatively safe as you can adjust what you do to suit your fitness levels. It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in the home as some other home gym equipment does.