This is genius. If you want to grip the handles parallel to the forearms, the way you grip a rope, feed the loop through the handle and place a carabiner through that loop on the other side of the handles just wider than the handle. Now you can do pull ups and rows with the same grip you would use on a rope. I also recommend a second pair of handles, preferably two inches wide specifically for grip training for rock climbing and grappling. The smaller handles with straps fit inside the 2 inch handles so it's petty much just as portable. Thanks for sharing this golden idea. I an seeing a lot more potential and versatility than rings.
Matt shows awesome homemade alternatives for rings. These are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Man RDP takes away a lot of stress, as well as money saving. Simplicity!🖒
This is just priceless information. I know I am repeating myself but I build one for just 5$ and after doing some pullups and dips with it, I like it even more than my gymnastic rings and carry it with me nearly everywhere I go.
Nice! Way to take action and get right on it, incredible that you were able to build them so cheap, but sometimes you can find parts around the home too.
So, I decided to make a Grind Strap to see if it would save me money. I bought all the material at a big building store in Sweden, probably not the cheapest but it was closest to my home. A comparable training tool in Sweden costs around 50-60 $. The Grind Strap I made cost 8 $. This is just crazy! Thank you so much for putting this out there Matt!
When you told me through the last couple of emails, that you had found an improved version of your s. trainer setup, I was wondering how you could possibly do so. Now that I see these, I have to admit, I'm impressed and want expecting to be this amazed! You've really outdone yourself Matt. Congratulations!
Thank you very much TheDamianvain17. There's always a way to progress and improve be it a suspension trainer design or an exercise technique. Sometimes, it can feel like there's nothing to improve upon, but inspiration can hit when you least expect it.
Hey! You have been awsome responding to my comments. That is so cool for someone with a good chunk of subscribers. Just wanted to say these are awesome! I wish I saw this before my toy purchases but even still I will have to try and build these in the future. Maybe something to keep in my car or take with me when I do field training. Also sharing this with fitness groups and friends. This one and your other one that mocks the NOSSK RT-17.
Just found these a month ago and really like 'em. Great idea. One thing I've done that's improved these for me was to use a lighter, non-black, color for the straps so that I can mark them with a Sharpie to known lengths. Makes for quicker length adjustments.
Great tip! I used a sharpie on a set of red straps once. Made the mistake of not marking them side by side and one was off by 1/4' Drove me crazy having one strap off a bit until I ended p just getting a new pair. Lesson learned!
Most excellent, have fun and let me know if you have any questions. Don't forget I have more information on these, and my Grind-style program in my latest book, Grind-Style Calisthenics (www.amazon.com/dp/B07VNBFJDP)
Climbing handles. I've seen some of your videos where you use a block that looks like a climbing grip as handles for the suspension trainer. Can you do a video on where to buy, how to make and how to use? Okay. Thank you for your channel!
@@waltherwagner9711 That's true. But you get a hell lot better workout from rings. I've worked out with these DIY suspension trainer for a very long time but rings are better.
Had to wait one day. The fuelhose was a little bit to narrow so I had to try to widen it. My handles was a little bit different from the video so i had to take the straps around the handles when not using them. Still they are compact/portable. The weight is only 302 gram (10.65 ounces). The straps I used were 5m long (16.4 feet). I've shared this video and I hope some of my friends will make them!
Hi Matt, excellent work, I built one (TRX) style years ago stitched individual loops for the handle spaces lol, your version is very compact. I used spare rubber tubing from some car DIY job (radiator) I think. Anyway great job ATB
I'd like to find good handles on amazon to replace the pvc nipples I'm using. Shipping to canada is terrible for the suggested handles. Anyone has good alternatives to suggest?
Hi Matt. I thought you said before that the ropes where much better than straps... Anyway, I preferred the ropes version as it was easier to find locally. Cheers.
There are certainly many advantages to using rope, but the simple integration of the door anchor and foot loop is better with nylon. That, and some people like using nylon since it doesn't have the stretch under load but others like it. Different strokes.....
Hey I really like this idea but I'm a bigger guy (230lb) so I'm going for nylon and I have a couple of quick questions. 1) If I get one inch nylon on the plastic D handles will I still be able to use the foot sling and store them easily? 2) Are the regular metal cam buckles good enough at my size? They only have the stainless steel ones for 1 inch webbing and the 3/4 metal cam was tested for 450lb with the 1 inch metal cam tested for 800-900lb.
Great questions, yes, I would recommend going with a 1-inch version which will be bigger and bulkier in storage, but you'll still get the foot loop to work okay. Since making this video, I've also been mostly using the suspension equipment from NOSSK which is very robust and affordable and will do pretty much all of the same thing. You can check out my reviews here: th-cam.com/video/b413J7bWyuc/w-d-xo.html
Hey Matt. When doing bar hangs for therapy for your shoulder, is it better to do passive hangs rather than hangs with your shoulder packed? Would having my shoulder packed be less pain for my elbow since I have some tendonitis I am recovering from? Would I get the same benefits with my shoulder packed as doing passive hangs? Thank you for the great content
For sure, packing would be best in your case. When your tendonitis gets better you can experiment with "stretch hangs" which can help stretch you out a bit.
Actually, you do it's just disguised as unilateral work like single arm and leg exercises. It's not the aggressive twisting like a Russian twist or lateral motion like a human flag, but progressive training naturally includes a lot of transverse control and tension.
I've used both. These are with lightweight. I find the heavyweight is too rough on the skin and if you want something more heavy duty then regular nylon is best
Woot woot! Just ordered my parts now! Just need to find time after the COVID stay at home orders to go to a hardware store to get the fuel line. Thanks for sharing Matt this was so nice of you to share!
@@RedDeltaProject It has been a few months, I have been waiting to share a picture of it out in the wild: photos.app.goo.gl/AnGPCdtG9BCYjw5C9 my only addition is vegetable rubber bands to keep the loose straps out of the snow :) When I am not using them outside I hang them on my door pullup bar. They are a lot more fun to use outside though!
Hey Matt - I was wondering if there are any key benefits (besides space savings) to using grind straps over regular old rings? I've been following your grind-style workout videos, I love the concept, and it seems to me that all of those exercises could be done on rings or grind straps? Not that I see any key benefits to rings either, both seem like solid options for a portable gym :)
It's more of a difference of preference, but there are some functional considerations: Weight and bulk for portability. Foot slings on the grind straps. rotating handles make moves like flys and curls a lot more comfortable. The straps go around your arms rather than straight down and press against your forearm. There is no forearm support on the straps unlike rings which can support your forearm and make the exercise a bit easier.
Maybe, although you've gotta make sure those edges are super smooth or else you risk cutting into the straps. Although the weight may be a bit cumbersome. I once had these same handles made out of aluminium and they were twice the weight. They made it a bit harder to manage than the lighter plastic handles in some exercises.
RedDeltaProject thank you for your reply Matt. I see, but unfortunately the only material that I have easy access to is stainless steel or iron.I mean I can also find PVC but I find them hard to trust on, they look unstable haha. Anyways I will try my best to smoothen out the edges see how it works💪🏻💪🏻
They work as a wireless mic which is way better than the directional mic I was using before, although they didn't connect while filming so that's why the audio is off so much.
Thank you for telling me. I feel abit silly actually, I didn't think of that. I'm 52 and on the tail end of the tech stuff. I'll just shut up and do more pushups. All the best Matt .
I've been looking to make a travel set, and these are the best handles I've seen so far. Do you think 1.5 inch webbing would work with them? I'm considering using Amsteel and webbing to make it really compact, and I already have some webbing. Trying to work out the best way to go about this. Thank you!
Also, do you think that just running Amsteel 7/64 would damage the handle over time at all? Or would it be uncomfortable to use vs webbing if/when rubbing against the body. I've never used anything for suspension training like this before
This webbing is just 3/4 inch wide and I've found wider webbing makes the design a lot heavier and bulkier. As for the amsteel I don't know as I've never really used that stuff so I'm not very familiar with it.
Amsteel is rope similar diameter to the paracord you used in another video, except its lighter, much stronger, practically no stretch, and can be spliced. Will only use webbing for the handles and doors, to prevent damage to both. Maybe not as minimal as the original monkii bars where everything fit inside the handles, but should be lighter and more compact than any DIY setup I've seen so far.
I was thinking about purchasing the monkii bar 2, I currently use gymnastic rings for my workout. Are there any major differences between the two? And how is the stability comparable between the two. Since I like the instability that the gymnastic rings give me that i want the same feeling if i purchase the mb2. One of the main reasons I'm considering the mb2 is because of the handles due to the rotation factor for isolation exercises.
You're correct on all accounts here Ozzie, the MB2 have very similar instability to rings and the rotating hands makes for better isolation move, plus a bit more wrist strength due to that rotation. I think you'll really like them and the looping strap design so the straps are not pressing into your forearm at the top of pressing movements. Enjoy!
Hey Matt. I've been scouting for parts to make this myself but I have two questions: 1. When you thread the strap through the handle, does it lay completely flat inside (and does it have to/would wider straps work, more in the next point)? 2. I've found straps that are 20 and 25 mm (up to 100 and 200kg respectively). Do you think the wider ones would work as well? Worst case scenario I'll just buy both and see for myself :) Thanks in advance.
Going wider is fine, but you're going to have a harder time threading through the handle twice the wider you go. Also, wider straps are also much bulkier and heavier so take that into account if portability is important.
You'll find them at the www.strapworks.com site I recommended in the video. They are down near the bottom of the page when you are looking at cam straps.
This is genius. If you want to grip the handles parallel to the forearms, the way you grip a rope, feed the loop through the handle and place a carabiner through that loop on the other side of the handles just wider than the handle. Now you can do pull ups and rows with the same grip you would use on a rope. I also recommend a second pair of handles, preferably two inches wide specifically for grip training for rock climbing and grappling. The smaller handles with straps fit inside the 2 inch handles so it's petty much just as portable. Thanks for sharing this golden idea. I an seeing a lot more potential and versatility than rings.
Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas, love using rope, it's such a versatile material
Matt shows awesome homemade alternatives for rings. These are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Man RDP takes away a lot of stress, as well as money saving. Simplicity!🖒
Hells yea Anival that's what it's all about!
This is just priceless information.
I know I am repeating myself but I build one for just 5$ and after doing some pullups and dips with it, I like it even more than my gymnastic rings and carry it with me nearly everywhere I go.
Nice! Way to take action and get right on it, incredible that you were able to build them so cheap, but sometimes you can find parts around the home too.
great. brilliant. excellent. better design than several manufacturers.
So, I decided to make a Grind Strap to see if it would save me money. I bought all the material at a big building store in Sweden, probably not the cheapest but it was closest to my home. A comparable training tool in Sweden costs around 50-60 $. The Grind Strap I made cost 8 $. This is just crazy! Thank you so much for putting this out there Matt!
Nice! Way to take action and get rock'n Stefan, would love to see some pics of what you've made if you're on Instagram
What a great, practical, tool! How perfect for the road-warrior fitness junkies like so many of us are.
Thank you! I was looking for a way to train while traveling light
When you told me through the last couple of emails, that you had found an improved version of your s. trainer setup, I was wondering how you could possibly do so. Now that I see these, I have to admit, I'm impressed and want expecting to be this amazed! You've really outdone yourself Matt. Congratulations!
Thank you very much TheDamianvain17.
There's always a way to progress and improve be it a suspension trainer design or an exercise technique. Sometimes, it can feel like there's nothing to improve upon, but inspiration can hit when you least expect it.
Sweet just ordered all the parts as well for the Iso-loop, just recently purchased a few of your books as well. Can't wait to give it all a shot!
Hey! You have been awsome responding to my comments. That is so cool for someone with a good chunk of subscribers. Just wanted to say these are awesome! I wish I saw this before my toy purchases but even still I will have to try and build these in the future. Maybe something to keep in my car or take with me when I do field training. Also sharing this with fitness groups and friends. This one and your other one that mocks the NOSSK RT-17.
Awesome thanks for sharing, have this saved for to do list! Love your channel! Just got your book Overcoming Isometrics, good stuff!
Superb and breathtakingly cheap and effective training tool. Superb video as always 👍
Glad you like it, happy training!
Just found these a month ago and really like 'em. Great idea. One thing I've done that's improved these for me was to use a lighter, non-black, color for the straps so that I can mark them with a Sharpie to known lengths. Makes for quicker length adjustments.
Great tip!
I used a sharpie on a set of red straps once. Made the mistake of not marking them side by side and one was off by 1/4' Drove me crazy having one strap off a bit until I ended p just getting a new pair. Lesson learned!
@@RedDeltaProject lol! That explains why you stand all crooked. : )
The cool thing is even if you screw the up the bands are only $10
You're an absolute legend sir. Thank you Matt!
Thanks Shady_Ninja!
Really digging this DIY solution. Can't wait to try it Matt !
Most excellent, have fun and let me know if you have any questions. Don't forget I have more information on these, and my Grind-style program in my latest book, Grind-Style Calisthenics (www.amazon.com/dp/B07VNBFJDP)
Climbing handles.
I've seen some of your videos where you use a block that looks like a climbing grip as handles for the suspension trainer.
Can you do a video on where to buy, how to make and how to use?
Okay. Thank you for your channel!
I made these 2 years ago with nylon ropes.
Then I bought rings 1 year ago (the best equipment), and I've been working out with them and loving it.
This DIY suspension trainer has one big advantage over gymnastic rings: its much more portable and takes less space.
@@waltherwagner9711 That's true. But you get a hell lot better workout from rings.
I've worked out with these DIY suspension trainer for a very long time but rings are better.
Haha the fuel hose is brilliant idea .. I used an extra small rope with a thick knot as a door anchor, but your idea is lighter and more portable 💪🏻
I used a similar design with the rope based trainers, works really well 👍
You can’t be giving away all your secrets....😂 great video Matt!
Gonna build it this evening!
Had to wait one day. The fuelhose was a little bit to narrow so I had to try to widen it. My handles was a little bit different from the video so i had to take the straps around the handles when not using them. Still they are compact/portable. The weight is only 302 gram (10.65 ounces). The straps I used were 5m long (16.4 feet).
I've shared this video and I hope some of my friends will make them!
So simple yet so efficient, Two thumbs up! 👍 👍
Hell yea! That's the Delta way!
This is so awesomely simple and effective I wonder why anyone buys a suspension trainer
What are the advantages/disadvantages of this style vs the prusik cord style?
what is the name of the set behind you youre using to do ring exercises on?
Thanks for sharing. Good ideas, good designs. Appreciate what you're doing.
Thank you very much Vive Viveka for your support. It's very much appreciated 🙏
Hi Matt, excellent work, I built one (TRX) style years ago stitched individual loops for the handle spaces lol, your version is very compact. I used spare rubber tubing from some car DIY job (radiator) I think. Anyway great job ATB
Love the ingenuity there Paul, well done.
Thank you Matt you did an awesome job and I am definitely gonna make these.
Hey Matt, Do you do exercises to emphasize the transverse plane? How important is it to do so? What are some no equipment transverse plane exercises?
Love the Grind Straps!
Nice. thank you so much
You're more than welcome Aurélien Carnoy and thank you very much for watching :)
I'd like to find good handles on amazon to replace the pvc nipples I'm using. Shipping to canada is terrible for the suggested handles. Anyone has good alternatives to suggest?
Any thoughts on the Angles 90 grips in comparison?
Hi Matt. I thought you said before that the ropes where much better than straps... Anyway, I preferred the ropes version as it was easier to find locally. Cheers.
Can shove a PVC handle and his foot loop trick onto the rope-knot versions too.
There are certainly many advantages to using rope, but the simple integration of the door anchor and foot loop is better with nylon. That, and some people like using nylon since it doesn't have the stretch under load but others like it. Different strokes.....
Hey I really like this idea but I'm a bigger guy (230lb) so I'm going for nylon and I have a couple of quick questions.
1) If I get one inch nylon on the plastic D handles will I still be able to use the foot sling and store them easily?
2) Are the regular metal cam buckles good enough at my size? They only have the stainless steel ones for 1 inch webbing and the 3/4 metal cam was tested for 450lb with the 1 inch metal cam tested for 800-900lb.
Great questions,
yes, I would recommend going with a 1-inch version which will be bigger and bulkier in storage, but you'll still get the foot loop to work okay.
Since making this video, I've also been mostly using the suspension equipment from NOSSK which is very robust and affordable and will do pretty much all of the same thing. You can check out my reviews here:
th-cam.com/video/b413J7bWyuc/w-d-xo.html
Hey Matt. When doing bar hangs for therapy for your shoulder, is it better to do passive hangs rather than hangs with your shoulder packed? Would having my shoulder packed be less pain for my elbow since I have some tendonitis I am recovering from? Would I get the same benefits with my shoulder packed as doing passive hangs? Thank you for the great content
For sure, packing would be best in your case. When your tendonitis gets better you can experiment with "stretch hangs" which can help stretch you out a bit.
Hey Matt, Why don't you hear more about transverse plane exercises from bodyweight masters?
Actually, you do it's just disguised as unilateral work like single arm and leg exercises. It's not the aggressive twisting like a Russian twist or lateral motion like a human flag, but progressive training naturally includes a lot of transverse control and tension.
Did you buy Lightweight Polypropylene or Heavyweight Polypropylene for the Grind Straps?
I've used both. These are with lightweight. I find the heavyweight is too rough on the skin and if you want something more heavy duty then regular nylon is best
Woot woot! Just ordered my parts now! Just need to find time after the COVID stay at home orders to go to a hardware store to get the fuel line. Thanks for sharing Matt this was so nice of you to share!
Way to take action Tunus and happy training! Would love to see a pic of your set up when you're done!
@@RedDeltaProject It has been a few months, I have been waiting to share a picture of it out in the wild: photos.app.goo.gl/AnGPCdtG9BCYjw5C9 my only addition is vegetable rubber bands to keep the loose straps out of the snow :) When I am not using them outside I hang them on my door pullup bar. They are a lot more fun to use outside though!
Hey Matt - I was wondering if there are any key benefits (besides space savings) to using grind straps over regular old rings? I've been following your grind-style workout videos, I love the concept, and it seems to me that all of those exercises could be done on rings or grind straps? Not that I see any key benefits to rings either, both seem like solid options for a portable gym :)
It's more of a difference of preference, but there are some functional considerations:
Weight and bulk for portability.
Foot slings on the grind straps.
rotating handles make moves like flys and curls a lot more comfortable.
The straps go around your arms rather than straight down and press against your forearm.
There is no forearm support on the straps unlike rings which can support your forearm and make the exercise a bit easier.
@@RedDeltaProject Thanks for the reply! Good points! I'll be sure to try and make myself some grind straps to compare :)
Great information Matt! Rock-solid and easy to understand.
Just one question:
Do you think stainless steel tube would work for the handle?
Maybe, although you've gotta make sure those edges are super smooth or else you risk cutting into the straps.
Although the weight may be a bit cumbersome. I once had these same handles made out of aluminium and they were twice the weight. They made it a bit harder to manage than the lighter plastic handles in some exercises.
RedDeltaProject thank you for your reply Matt. I see, but unfortunately the only material that I have easy access to is stainless steel or iron.I mean I can also find PVC but I find them hard to trust on, they look unstable haha. Anyways I will try my best to smoothen out the edges see how it works💪🏻💪🏻
What's going on with the ear buds?
They work as a wireless mic which is way better than the directional mic I was using before, although they didn't connect while filming so that's why the audio is off so much.
Thank you for telling me. I feel abit silly actually, I didn't think of that. I'm 52 and on the tail end of the tech stuff. I'll just shut up and do more pushups. All the best Matt .
I've been looking to make a travel set, and these are the best handles I've seen so far. Do you think 1.5 inch webbing would work with them? I'm considering using Amsteel and webbing to make it really compact, and I already have some webbing. Trying to work out the best way to go about this. Thank you!
Also, do you think that just running Amsteel 7/64 would damage the handle over time at all? Or would it be uncomfortable to use vs webbing if/when rubbing against the body. I've never used anything for suspension training like this before
This webbing is just 3/4 inch wide and I've found wider webbing makes the design a lot heavier and bulkier. As for the amsteel I don't know as I've never really used that stuff so I'm not very familiar with it.
Amsteel is rope similar diameter to the paracord you used in another video, except its lighter, much stronger, practically no stretch, and can be spliced. Will only use webbing for the handles and doors, to prevent damage to both. Maybe not as minimal as the original monkii bars where everything fit inside the handles, but should be lighter and more compact than any DIY setup I've seen so far.
I was thinking about purchasing the monkii bar 2, I currently use gymnastic rings for my workout. Are there any major differences between the two? And how is the stability comparable between the two. Since I like the instability that the gymnastic rings give me that i want the same feeling if i purchase the mb2. One of the main reasons I'm considering the mb2 is because of the handles due to the rotation factor for isolation exercises.
You're correct on all accounts here Ozzie, the MB2 have very similar instability to rings and the rotating hands makes for better isolation move, plus a bit more wrist strength due to that rotation. I think you'll really like them and the looping strap design so the straps are not pressing into your forearm at the top of pressing movements. Enjoy!
Hey Matt. I've been scouting for parts to make this myself but I have two questions:
1. When you thread the strap through the handle, does it lay completely flat inside (and does it have to/would wider straps work, more in the next point)?
2. I've found straps that are 20 and 25 mm (up to 100 and 200kg respectively). Do you think the wider ones would work as well? Worst case scenario I'll just buy both and see for myself :)
Thanks in advance.
Going wider is fine, but you're going to have a harder time threading through the handle twice the wider you go. Also, wider straps are also much bulkier and heavier so take that into account if portability is important.
How do I anchor it to a door?
It's through the hose sections located up near the buckles. That's your door anchor for each strap
Just when i was thinking to order monkiibars 2 you come with this now i have to thi k again😂
lol,
Although I do recommend the MB2 as I have a pair myself. They are great, but my straps are pretty freak'n great if I do say so myself.
Plus that their metalgrips are kind of sturdier and stable
only thing i dont like about rings are the roundness of the handle
Does anyone sell 3/4-inch straps? I can only find 1-inch.
You'll find them at the www.strapworks.com site I recommended in the video. They are down near the bottom of the page when you are looking at cam straps.
Can we just buy the whole thing so you can start a simple tool business?
Looking into it, trying to find a few ways to make a more refined and cleaner designed product for ya.
Cool, but if you have to order the materials off the net you may as well just buy regular grind straps...
Why dont you just use resistance bands
Totally different method of training. I used to do a lot of band training back in the day though.
👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
I found the bands from some cheap gymnastic ringgs to be very good for this
That they are, a lot of ring companies use 1.5 inch wide webbing which is kind of wide and heavier but I haven't used that width yet