TRX GO Suspension Trainer Review: The Original Travel Gym

The TRX is the gold standard of suspension trainers — invented by Navy SEALs, used by every major sports team, and backed by 25 years of biomechanics research. The TRX GO is the travel-friendly version of their flagship trainer, sold for $130. After months of use, here's whether it's worth the premium over knockoffs.

Why TRX vs Knockoffs

The TRX brand is 5-10x more expensive than Amazon knockoffs ($25-40 for similar designs). Is it worth it? Yes, for three reasons:

1. Hardware quality — TRX uses mil-spec nylon and reinforced carabiners. Knockoffs use cheap stitching that fails over time.
2. Adjustability speed — TRX has a one-handed adjustment system. Knockoffs require two hands and are slow.
3. Lifetime warranty — Buy once, use forever.

For occasional bodyweight training, knockoffs are fine. For daily training or travel, TRX is worth it.

The Specs

What We Love

What Could Be Better

Setup and Anchoring

The TRX needs a sturdy overhead anchor:

• Outdoor: Tree branches, pull-up bars, swing sets
• Indoor: Power rack pull-up bar, ceiling joist hook, door anchor (included)
• Travel: Door anchor in any inward-opening door

The included door anchor is the most common setup for travelers. It loops over the top of an inward-opening door, then closes against the door for a secure anchor.

Best TRX Exercises

The TRX excels at bodyweight strength training. Best exercises:

1. TRX Row — back and biceps
2. TRX Push-Up — chest with instability
3. TRX Pistol Squat — single-leg strength
4. TRX Plank — core stability
5. TRX Hamstring Curl — posterior chain
6. TRX Atomic Push-Up — chest + core combo

Adjust difficulty by changing your body angle — closer to vertical = easier, closer to horizontal = harder.

Who Should Buy It

Buy it if:

• You travel frequently
• You live in a small apartment
• You want a portable gym for vacations
• You hate dropping money on cheap gear that breaks

Skip it if:

• You only train at home with a power rack
• You're a budget shopper (knockoffs are fine for casual use)
• You don't have a way to anchor it overhead

Final Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — The TRX GO is the best travel gym ever made. It fits in a backpack, works anywhere with a sturdy anchor, and offers 300+ exercises. For frequent travelers, it's the cheapest way to never miss a workout. For everyone else, knockoffs are fine.

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