So for those do-it-yourselfers out there, here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own for under $30:
Supplies:- three 8-foot segments of 1" nylon strapping [I got mine from a mountain climbing store]
- three high grade 1" cam buckles [again, from the mountain climbing store]
- two 5" - 6" segments of braided PVC tubing [make sure the diameter you buy feels comfortable in your hand]
- one carabiner [at least 1000 lbs capacity]
Step 1:- take the nylon strapping and cam buckles to a tailor and have them attach the cam buckles to one end of the strapping [note: This step can be avoided if you can find lashing straps with cam buckles already sewn on. Just make sure the straps don't have hooks and have a working capacity that will support your body weight]
- also, make sure the tailor uses heavy duty thread and does the box-criss-cross stitch shown here on the left
- feed the loose end of the strapping through the clasp on the cam buckle
Step 2:- thread the loose end of the strapping through the braided PVC tubing and tie-off using a bowline knot [click for instructions]
- repeat for both handles
Step 3:- attach your straps [with handles] to the carabiner
- thread your third unused nylon strap through the carabiner as well, this will act as your anchor point [ie: the strap used to tie the suspension system to a tree branch, chinup bar, monkey bars etc.]
If you have any further questions, consult the following video by Stevo Reed:
- How to make your own suspension trainer
Workouts to follow!