It’s been pretty strongly established on this blog that I love to run, but I’m not good about doing anything that resembles cross training. I’ll take a class here and there and I’ve done some sessions with a trainer, but when push comes to shove and time gets tight, running wins every time. So, I was pretty excited to be given the FE Strong Home Gym suspension system to review.
I’ve used a suspension system both at the gym with my trainer and at Orangetheory, I knew how to use one. The FE Strong Home Gym works just like any other suspension system. You anchor it to a door or some overhead option like a jungle gym or a really sturdy tree branch. Then you use the system with your body weight to do a workout. There are TONS of videos out there to get ideas.
Here’s a simple video I like because it just gets you familiar with some of the things you can do. (And you won’t be catching me out at Shoo’s soccer practice using the goal LOL)
Setting up the system is super simple, especially on a doorway. You simply put the anchor piece on the opposite side of the door you are using and then pull the door shut before attaching the system. It’s recommended that you use it on a door that opens away from the side you are working on. This is particularly important in my old house where the doors don’t always latch securely. Conveniently I was able to attach it to the door of my fitness room, which meant I could basically always leave it up. If you can’t though, it takes seconds to do.
I also tried it outside on the kids’ playset. It’s not difficult to attach, but you need to make sure you wrap it securely and then adjust the system as needed. I read somewhere that it’s recommended that the strap where you hook the actual system should be at about 6′. I was able to accomplish that and it was fun to try it out in the fresh air.
I love that the FE Strong Home Gym takes up very little storage space but offers a ton of workout options. Living in a smallish urban home, this allows me to get some great workouts in without needed to store a lot of weights. The system itself is very well made and sturdy, and I found the handles were well cushioned and comfortable to use.
Want to try out a system? Go here (affiliate link) and use code MCMMAMAR to get 40% off the FE Strong Home Gym system.
Have you ever used a suspension system? What’s your favorite workout? (Be forewarned that the system does not really come with directions, but a little googling will get you everything you need to know.)
Disclaimer: I received the FE Strong Home Gym suspension system free to review. All opinions are my own.
I just won one of those from someone else’s blog. You can get a great workout from a TRX style contraption. Good to have!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Sweet Summer Yellow Tomato, Corn & Pepper Gazpacho
You know I love me some crosstraining. Becky has me do a lot of body weight exercises, and some of the ones in the video look mighty familiar!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Salute 10k Race Recap
This is something that could even fit in my teeny tiny condo.
I, too, need to dedicate more time to cross training and TRX/suspension trainers are so effective.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…‘Bye May! My Recap of May Goals
Love how mobile this is!
Carmy recently posted…Summer Running Must Haves
I love that you can kind of do it anywhere! I took a TRX class once. It was tough!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Rich & Chocolatey Post-Workout Recovery Pudding (vegan, soy free, gluten free)
I have a TRX but I really want this one because it matches the color of my fitness studio 😛
TRX is so good! I’m super clumsy and awkward, so it’s probably better doing it at home than in public lol By the way, your kids have an awesome playset!
Lex @ Flecksoflex recently posted…Race Preview: Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
I have only used a suspension system a few times in my body circuit class, but I do love the idea of them. I feel like our doors aren’t strong enough to support them, but I guess they would have to be, right?
So great that a simple Google search can help turn up so many fabulous exercises.
Jenn recently posted…weekly wrap: 5.22 – 5.28
I’ve never used a suspension system for working out but it looks interesting. I bet it gives a killer workout and it looks like it would be easy to store away when you are done using it.