The Human Trainer

Cheryl Hersey tries out the latest incarnation of suspension training equipment, The Human Trainer.

I’m a big fan of suspension training. For the uninitiated, a suspension trainer is a system of straps and handles that allows you to work against your own bodyweight in a functional way. It’s effective and portable and permits you to target pretty much every part of the body with just the one piece of kit. I’ve recently been using the latest incarnation, a system called the Human Trainer, and I’m discovering that not all suspension trainers are made equal.

The Human Trainer differs from other suspension trainers in that there are two straps, rather than one, and the height of the handles or foot straps can be adjusted by a series of D-rings rather than adjustable cam-buckles. These small variations make a big difference. Having two straps allows for wider placement and better positioning for certain exercises. With both handles joined by one central attachment, the tendency is for the handles to move together at the start or finish of the exercise, changing the line of push or pull and the emphasis of the exercise. (I used to find the single strap system would scratch my forearms when completing a chest press but this is not a problem with the dual straps). The D-rings make it much easier to change the height of either the handles or foot attachments, rather fiddling with cam-buckles.

The whole system can be packed up into a small rucksack so you can take it to the park, the gym or away on holiday where you can set it by anchoring the straps to a closed door.  My gym has single strap systems suspended from an A-frame but I’ve noticed such a positive difference with the Human Trainer that I’ve started packing it in my kit bag and setting it up in their place.

The Human Trainer seems to have taken the best elements from other versions of the kit and combined them to make a truly superior system. At £149.99 it’s not cheap, but if you want an effective piece of home gym equipment, or a take-anywhere workout, you’d be hard pushed to make a better choice.

Read more reviews of the Human Trainer, compare prices, and order online at Amazon UK now.