As the name suggests, the Human Trainer, created by Astone Fitness, is a suspension training system designed for people of all fitness levels.
Comprised of a cleverly designed system of straps, clips and handles and utilizing the users own body weight as resistance, the Human Trainer provides exercisers with an effective full body workout at home, the gym or virtually any suitable spot outdoors.
One of the best characteristics of suspension trainers are their range of motion. With an anchor point positioned six to ten feet above the user, the vector of resistance can come from any angle below the anchor point.
The result? Literally, hundreds of possible exercises and routines that improve core and functional strength as well as cardiovascular and metabolic conditioning.
Suspension trainers are fun to use. I’ve owned one for two years now and have never been bored with a workout yet.
*Some Examples Of Human Trainer Exercises
What Is The Human Trainer?
The Human Trainer may not look like much at first glance. This simple compact system, however, can deliver big results. Moreover, its small size means it is adaptable, convenient and mobile.
As long as you can find an anchor point above a space that is about 5 feet wide and 7 feet long (though I prefer much more room), a Human Trainer user has a place to work out.
My favorite spots are in my basement attached to a chin up bar and at a local park under a seventy foot poplar tree. Exercising outdoors is a great way to keep things fresh, stay motivated and get lots of fresh air – it’s fantastic!
What’s Included…
There are two kits available when purchasing the Human Trainer: the Essential Kit and the Full Potential Complete Kit.
The Human Trainer Essential Kit
The Human Trainer Essential Kit (cost: $150)
The Essential Kit is your entry-level kit for in-home workouts with your trainer anchored to a door.
If you intend to use it strictly at home or in the hotel room while traveling, this version is all you may need.
The components included are: main straps (2), hand grips (2), foot cradles (2), door anchors (2), user guide and Human Trainer Circuit7® DVD.
Unfortunately, the versatility anchor straps are not included with the Essential Kit.
*Unsolicited opinion: the versatility anchor straps are a must to get the most out of suspension training. See the “Room For Improvement” section below for reasons why.
The Human Trainer Full Potential Kit
The Human Trainer Full Potential Complete Kit (cost: $270) comes with:
For the fitness enthusiast serious about suspension training, the Full Potential Kit has all the bells and whistles.
The components included are: main straps (2), hand grips (4), foot cradles (2), door anchors (2), user guide, Human Trainer Circuit7® DVD, travel gym bag, ceiling mount brackets (2), versatility anchor straps (2), abdominal slings (2), instructional ebooks (4).
Basic Human Trainer Use
After choosing a suitable space, the user can attach the trainer to a closed door or any other secure overhead anchor point, such as a chin up bar, light pole, a sturdy branch or a ceiling mount, via the versatility anchor straps.
These are simply two extension straps that wrap around a branch, pole or bar and clip back into the main straps.
Once the system is anchored, the user can perform a variety of exercises in multiple planes.
Using your own body weight as resistance, you can increase or decrease the amount of resistance by changing your body angle simply by moving closer or further away from the point directly below the anchor points.
Also, because the straps allow a wide range of motion and seamless transitions between exercises, you can improve cardiovascular endurance, core strength and flexibility while increasing muscular power and endurance.
Have a look at the video below for a visual demonstration of the Human Trainer in use.
It works best for those who want the ability to customize their workouts without the need to spend hours at a gym or to constantly buy new workout equipment.
Additionally, this is a great option for those who travel frequently yet still want to maintain a consistent workout regimen. Because the system is very portable, it can easily fit into a suitcase for use on the road.
6 Main Benefits Of The Human Trainer
Portable – can be used indoors, outdoors (with versatility straps) or when traveling – anywhere a suitable overhead support is available can become a workout area.
Adaptable – by changing your body angle, you can fine-tune resistance to your fitness level and increase it as you progress.
Minimal space to use – can be used in front of a bedroom or hotel room door, however the more room you have, the better variety of movements are possible.
Easy to store – all components can easily fit in a normal gym bag along with your towel, shoes and water bottle.
Excellent warranty – comes with a 90 day satisfaction guarantee and a limited 2 year replacement warranty.
Effective and fun – because users engage multiple muscle groups with each exercise and literally hundreds of movements are possible, the Human Trainer workouts are never boring and are more effective than traditional strength or cardiovascular workouts.
Room For Improvement…
Versatility anchor straps not included in the Essential Kit – these anchor straps allow for most of the versatility of this suspension trainer and in my opinion are essential.
As I’ve mentioned before, taking the Human Trainer outdoors is one of it’s best features. You’ll need the versatility anchor straps to do this.
Versatility Anchor Straps
They sell for about $35 as an accessory, but are included in the Full Potential Kit. Without them, you’re limited to working out in front of a door.
Modular design – all the main components are modular. There are a lot of pieces to this suspension trainer.
To some, this could be a benefit, however I spent a little more time setting things up and I tend to lose things. With regret, I must put this in the “disadvantages” category.
Safety Considerations When Using The Human Trainer
Any workout system is only as safe as you make it. It’s important to take the time to educate yourself about proper Human Trainer installation and especially proper form for the exercises.
For this reason, view the included instructional DVD until familiar with the movements and can perform them safely.
As well, it’s always a good idea to test the stability of the anchor points and the strength of the system’s attachment before every workout.
Although the system is excellent for athletes of all fitness levels, when starting any new fitness regimen, especially beginners, discuss it with your physician.
This is especially critical for those users with more than a few pounds to lose, who have chronic health conditions or who are taking medications.
Submit Your Own Human Trainer Review
What is your opinion of the Human Trainer? How does it compare to other suspension trainers? What do you like or dislike about it? Submit your own Human Trainer review in the comment box below and help others decide if this suspension trainer is right for them.
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