This Space-Saving Suspension Trainer Is a Must-Have Piece of Home Gym Equipment, According to a Trainer

3 min readAs someone who loves working out at home but has absolutely zero interest in turning my living space into a full-blown gym, I’m always looking for compact fitness equipment that earns its footprint. If something is going to take up space in my apartment, it needs to do a lot, and that's one of the many reasons the TRX Home2 System stands out. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to stash away, but it still manages to make my workouts challenging in a way that no other piece of equipment can really replicate.What I like most about suspension training in general, beyond the constant core engagement and total body conditioning it delivers, is that it doesn’t lock me into just one kind of workout. I can do a more strength-focused workout, a routine focused on HIIT, or I can work on mobility moves, all with a TRX twist.ProsPortable, packable, and easy to stash awayOffers a full body workoutEasy set-up, no drilling requiredDurable constructionWeight1.5 lbsWarranty2 YearResistance: Infinitely Variable The TRX is a piece of equipment that’s also extremely adaptable in terms of resistance. When using the TRX Home2 System, I can make strength, core-focused, cardio, and mobility work more or less challenging just by changing my body angle – the more horizontal my body position while doing TRX bicep curls, for example, the more challenging they’ll be. On the flip side, I can make it easier if I need to by changing my body angle to a more upright body position.And the variety of exercises I can do on a suspension trainer means I can get a fun, full body workout with just one tool, while also adding variety to my fitness routine. In other words, it’s one piece of equipment that covers a lot of ground. If I want a HIIT workout, I’ll focus on moves that push my cardiovascular system, like TRX lunge jumps, TRX squat jumps and TRX mountain climbers. If I’m focusing more on strength, I’ll make sure moves like TRX Rows, TRX pushups, TRX pikes, and TRX pistol squats get prime time billing in my routine that day.Shop TRX Home2 SystemSet Up: Super Easy and Only Takes SecondsAnother reason I keep coming back to the TRX is that the setup is so simple. There’s no need to drill holes or permanently mount anything (although that’s an option) because the included door anchor makes it incredibly easy to set up when I want to use it. And take down just as quickly when I’m done. Its compact size means it can literally live in a small drawer in my living room, organized and out of sight until I need it.The system comes with the suspension trainer itself, a door anchor, a suspension anchor, and a mesh carry bag that keeps everything organized and compact, so it’s as easy to use at home as it is to take on trips. At 1.5 pounds, it also feels far more realistic to travel with than most workout gear.Shop TRX Home2 SystemAlternatives If you’re looking for a more affordable suspension trainer system that can be mounted over a door, though in a slightly different way, the NOSSK Pro Fitness Trainer is a good option to consider. And if you want a more pared down yet uber-portable version of the TRX that’s also budget-friendly, the TRX GO suspension trainer is a solid pick.Final Verdict: One of the main things that makes the TRX Home2 System a must-have for me is that training with it feels approachable, but never too easy. Since I can make moves more or less challenging depending on my body position, it works for me whether I just want a quick workout or something that leaves me very aware of my core the next day.The fact that I can set it up in no time and that it’s unlike any other training modality keeps me from feeling a time crunch or getting bored. It offers fitness benefits and challenges that other pieces of equipment can’t really replicate, like improved proprioception and core integration in every exercise. Plus, suspension training is a really fun way to mix it up workout-wise. It’s the kind of compact workout equipment that actually makes sense for real life, which is exactly why it remains one of my favorite home fitness go-tos.Shop TRX Home2 SystemNatascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful.