BGR Suspension Trainer Review

The BGR suspension trainer is a portable bodyweight trainer that combines gymnastics rings, D-handles, and a pullup bar into a compact setup.

This gives me a way to do calisthenics to train my upper body, core, and do some lower body exercises from almost anywhere.

What makes BGR (Bars Grips Rings) different from other suspension trainers and gymnastics rings sets, is that uses a retraction mechanism so I can adjust the length of the straps quickly and without having excess straps hanging.

So I can go from muscle ups to dips to push ups in a matter of seconds

For home gyms, calisthenics athletes, minimalist setups, or someone who travels a lot, this adds a lot of exercise options without eating up a ton of space.

Let’s check it out!

Key Takeaways

• BGR suspension trainer combines gymnastics rings, a pullup bar, and D-handles into a portable calisthenics system

• It is best for home gyms, bodyweight training athletes, minimalist setups, and travelers

• The biggest benefit is fast strap length adjustments so it makes it flow faster than traditional suspension trainers and gymnastics rings

• I can use it for pullups, muscle ups, dips, pushups, face pulls, bicep curls, inverted rows, and many other calisthenics exercises

• The downside is that it’s more expensive than traditional suspension trainers or basic gymnastics rings

• The BGR suspension trainer is worth it if you want versatility and convenience from an advanced bodyweight training setup

BGR Suspension Trainer Preview

Unboxing

The whole kit comes in one box with wrapping paper stuffed above and below the product so it’s well protected.

Here’s everything that I pulled out of the box:

• (2) Gymnastics rings with attached straps

• (2) 3 feet long loop straps to extended length

• (2) Retractable strap units

• (1) Pullup bar split in half

• (2) D-handles

• (2) Carabiners

• (1) Door anchor

• (1) Travel bag

Specs

• Retractable straps: 77″ long, 1 13/16″ wide

• Housing: Hard plastic, push button mechanism makes it easy to adjust strap length

• Weight capacity: 770 lbs

• Gymnastic rings: Attached strap is 12″ long

• Foldable pullup bar: 1.5″ diameter, covered in foam, non-swivel ends, 39″ long

• D-handles: Adjustable strap, rubber handle

• Anchor straps: 3 feet long, multiple loops, can be wrapped around thick trees, posts, etc

• Door anchor: Double loop straps, padded to protect door and door frame

• Travel bag: Mesh, everything fits in it

What Is The BGR Suspension Trainer?

BGR (Bars Grips Rings) is a compact suspension trainer kit made for calisthenics that fits in a travel bag.

The kit combines three common bodyweight training tools:

• Gymnastics rings

• Pullup bar

• Suspension trainer

I can use at this kit in my garage gym, outdoors, and anywhere I travel that has a door.

What makes the BGR suspension trainer kit unique is the retractable strap system that traditional suspension trainers and gymnastics rings don’t have. I push a button and can change the strap height fast so I can move from one exercise to the next in no time.

Who Is This Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

BGR is for anyone who wants to build strength using their own body weight without the need for a lot of equipment.

✅ Ideally For

• Home gyms: This gives me more training options without taking up any floor space. I can hang it from my rack’s pullup bar and my gymnastics rings ceiling hanger.

• People with limited space: If you don’t have room for a weight rack, cable machine, or larger home gym setup, the BGR can be anchored to a door

• Travel: Since this is portable, I take it with me anytime I go on vacation and anchor it down to just about anything that can support my weight

• Calisthenic beginners: This is a good way for beginners to regress exercises by changing body angles until they can take on more of their full bodyweight

• Advanced bodyweight training: On the flip side, I can do advanced calisthenics that require more stability than floor exercises due to the straps’ instability

❌ Not For

• Budget buyers: If you’re looking for the cheapest set of rings or suspension trainer, this is not for you

• Body builders: Not for those who are only into weightlifting and don’t like bodyweight exercises

• Machine users : You prefer machines over unstable free movement

Top Benefits Of The BGR Suspension Trainer

Multiple Tools In One Kit

One of the biggest benefits of the BGR kit is that I get three systems in one: (1) gymnastics rings, (2) pullup bar, and (3) a suspension trainer. This way I’m only switching the handles on the straps instead of having three separate pieces of equipment.

This makes it space saving and minimalist.

Quick Exercise Transitions

One of the most annoying things about traditional suspension trainers and gymnastics rings is adjusting the straps multiple times so that both sides are matching.

With BGR’s retractable straps I can adjust the straps way faster with the push of a button and I don’t have to deal with leftover straps hanging.

Full Body Bodyweight Training

If you’re familiar with suspension trainers you already know they’re great for upper body exercises but they can also assist with some leg movements.

Here’s a list of what I can train with the BGR kit:

Chest

• Dips

• Push-ups

Back

• Pull-ups/chin-ups

• Inverted rows

Biceps

• Pelican curls

• Bicep curls

• Chin-ups

Legs

• Bulgarian split squats

• Assisted pistol squats

• Hamstrings curls

Triceps

• Dips

• Push-ups

• Overhead tricep extensions

Forearms

• Dead hangs

• All exercises

Best Features Of The BGR Suspension Trainer

Retractable Straps

The retractable straps are this product’s best feature. They allow me to switch length quickly without leftover straps which makes the BGR feel more advanced than basic suspension trainers.

Pullup Bar

I like that this kit brings a pullup bar. I’ve tested multiple sets of suspension trainers and none of them included one.

This gives me more training options than standards straps alone and because it splits in the middle, it fits right in the travel bag.

Here’s what the pullup bar look like when it’s split in half.

One end has eye loops for the carabiners. These don’t swivel by the way which I think is good so that’s there’s more stability.

This is the middle of both pieces.

Initially I was iffy about this one but the metal is actually thick, so it’s strong enough to support me and doesn’t fold.

RELATED: Rogue Individual Pullup System

Door Frame / Loop Straps

The BGR kit comes with a door frame anchor and a couple of 3 feet long loop straps.

This gives me the option to anchor the kit on more than just pullup bars or ceiling hangers.

With the door anchor, I can attach the straps to any door which is perfect for when I travel.

And the loop straps give me extra length to hang the retractable straps from trees when I want to workout outside.

I haven’t taken these yet but I feel these will be perfect to hang from my back porch.

Compact Size

I can toss everything that comes in the BGR kit inside the travel bag so it doesn’t take up much space. This makes it a great option for apartments, home gyms, outdoor workouts, and people like me who like to workout even when traveling.

BGR Suspension TrainerPros & Cons

Pros

• Portable: Easy to take and anchor anywhere

• Retractable straps: I can transition from one exercise to another quickly without excess straps hanging

• Weight capacity: 770 lbs gives me plenty of assurance these won’t snap

• Attachments: I like that they’re including everything in one kit instead of having to buy multiple pieces

• Versatility: With this kit I can do just about any bodyweight exercise I can think of and get a full body workout

Cons

• Cost: The investment is more than traditional gymnastics rings and suspension trainers that use cam buckles

• No line markers: It’d be great if the straps had line markers to make it easier to make both sides even

Price

The BGR suspension trainer currently sells for $299 which is more expensive than a set of gymnastics rings or basic suspension trainer.

But compared to its closest competitor with retractable straps (priced at $219), I feel BGR adds more value since it includes multiple attachments and I can anchor it anywhere.

Keep reading below and I’ll show you how to bring the price down…

Discount Code

If you’re interested in buying the BGR calisthenics kit, I’m gonna hook you up so you don’t pay full price.

This will get you a 10% discount off the retail price so it’ll save you about $30.

Just click the red button below to reveal my exclusive BGR coupon code…

BGR Suspension Trainer Alternatives

Rapid Rings

Rapid Rings use a similar retractable strap mechanism as BGR but their retractor is at the top of the straps not at the bottom like BGR’s.

Because of this, each strap comes with a long string so the lever at the top can be unlocked if the rings are anchored high.

It’s a solid product but it’s mainly designed for pull-up bars, not for hanging on trees, door frames, or ceiling ring hangers.

Recoil S2 Suspension Trainer

The Recoil S2 suspension trainer has the most premium quality out of all suspension trainers I’ve ever tested.

This one has a retractable strap mechanism where both straps move simultaneously so they always end up at the same length.

It comes with a travel bag that doubles as a door anchor (clever) and hanging strap so I can throw it over a pull-up bar or ceiling anchor.

I’ve had mine for at least 5 years and it still looks like the first time I opened the box so it’s built to last.

Double Circle Gymnastics Rings

Double Circle gymnastic rings have an adjustable strap with multiple loops that allow me to get the exact same height on both straps.

This is much easier to adjust than using a cam buckle strap where I have to eyeball each side and adjust multiple times before I get both straps to match.

These are meant more for indoor use where the pull-up bar or ceiling hanger is perfectly horizontal.

My Hands-On Experience With The BGR Suspension Trainer

I’ve wanted a set of gymnastics rings that retracts ever since I got the Recoil S2 suspension trainer. With the BGR calisthenics kit, I get both and then some.

The flow of my workouts is much better when adjusting the straps doesn’t feel like a chore and that’s exactly what BGR tackles.

Plus it doesn’t take up any additional floor space in my garage gym.

I’m big into calisthenics so it’s one of my favorite bodyweight training products.

Final Verdict: Is The BGR Suspension Trainer Worth It?

The BGR calisthenics kit is a great buy for people who don’t have a lot of space and want to train from home (or anywhere).

It’s best for people who are looking for:

• Quick adjustments

• Versatility

• Minimalist setup

• Bodyweight training

• Portability

It won’t replace a full weight room but it’s a portable tool that’s more versatile than basic suspension straps.

Frequently Asked Questions About The BGR Calisthenics Kit

What is the BGR suspension trainer calisthenics kit?

The BGR calisthenics kit is a portable bodyweight training system that combines a suspension trainer, gymnastics rings, and pullup bar into one compact setup that can be used indoors and outdoors.

Is the BGR calisthenics kit better than TRX?

In my opinion, yes it is better because it is easier to adjust the length of the straps with the recoil feature and BGR gives me more exercise options.

What does BGR stand for?

BGR stands for bars, grips, rings. Those are the three training tools that are combined into this kit.

Can you build muscle with a suspension trainer?

Yes, you can build muscle using your own bodyweight. Once an exercise gets easy, you can add progressive overload by changing angles to make exercises harder, slow down the tempo of the reps, use harder variations, or throw on a weight vest.

Is the BGR calisthenics kit good for travel?

Yes it is. The kit comes with a travel bag where I can fit everything (the pullup bar folds in the middle).

What exercises can I do with the BGR calisthenics kit?

I can do inverted rows, pushups, pullups, chinups, dips, bicep curls, pelican curls, tricep extensions, pistol squats, hamstring curls, ab rollouts, and more.

Does the BGR kit replace a home gym?

It won’t replace barbells, dumbbells, or weight training machines, but I can replicate a bunch of exercises using my bodyweight.