So, back in August or so of 2008, I came across workout vids on YouTube where the exercisers used so-called suspension trainers. As I watched, the exercises looked enticing and motivated me to want to add suspension type exercises into my workouts. And then sticker shock hit when I discovered the prices demanded by the various makers of these gizmos. The best known maker of a suspension strap asks for US$150 for a budget model. Because I am a member of The Home Depot Fitness Center, I could see in my mind's eye, a way to make one for one-tenth of the price asked for a factory-made one. So, at last, to fulfill a long ago request to see fotos of my handiwork, you can see mine.Â
The design has loops tied along the length of the rope, which makes for speedy changes to the rope length depending on the exercise. This design might promote the fastest change of rope length for any suspension exercise device, which I have dubbed, RopeFitâ˘.Â
With the RopeFit, you can loop the top of the rope around a sturdy tree branch or playground gear, which is what I do. If you're an indoor exerciser, you can install an anchor into a ceiling. To raise the handles higher, toward the top, one need only grab a loop lower down on the main length of rope and insert it through the top anchoring spring link. I don't recall exactly now, but the rope is a kind of poly rope used to tie boats and had a weight rating of 275 pounds (124.7 kg). It came in a 100-feet (30.48 m) length and sold for US$9.99. The other hardware bought were three spring links. The spring link designated to suspend the whole rope had a weight rating, maybe 250 lbs (113.4 kg). It is larger than the spring links used for each handle.
The two handles have been cut from a standard length (maybe 10 feet) of ž" diameter (19.05 mm) 40 PVC 1120 (whatever that means). That cost $1.19. The handle lengths are 5½" (13.97 cm). Once cut, you're left with a PVC pipe for something else. As to the knots, the butterfly knot made for great loops. A reef knot for each stirrup loop tied up those loose ends. I can't recall what knot I tied for the top, anchoring spring link. Yet, I trust that whatever one I chose, it works. I believe the total bill for this superior muscle training suspension rope came in about US$20.
When you RopeFit action train, you train for athletic performance typically needed for burst sports, which is the same training any superior woman or superior man needs for her or his life (hint: sex). When you train RopeFit action style, you end your workout enlivened. Within a few hours, your mind cycles to thoughts of working out again. Yes, you become that eager. You're chomping at the bit. Yet, you know to trust the process. Results come quickly! There are no barbells to lift. There are no dumbbells to lift. Forget the kettlebells too. Never do you blow a good chunk of cash on a 24 Gold Hour membership, working machines on what amounts to fanciful physical therapy. And there are no silly rubber bands needed. This isn't bodybuilding with its phony sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. This is legit microfibrillar hypertrophy. And you don't show up in the body shop district of town, looking at a white board for today's haphazard, inefficient training monkey business, often which involves injury-risking, dangerous movements. Here is a vid I shot and pieced together back in August 2012 showing RopeFit in action.
