TRX Bandit review: the perfect portable trainer
TRX has carved itself a niche in the home fitness market with its small and portable workout gear.
We gave the TRX bandit system a go to see how it could fit into our workout routine.
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Pros:
- Lightweight
- Cheap
- Versatile
Cons:
- Can’t replace heavy weight training
TRX Bandit: quick summary
- TRX Bandit, £69.95 at TRX -
Those who already own a TRX suspension trainer and enjoy having minimal workout equipment will love the Bandit.
It gives you options to perform a surprising number of exercises, even if you’re short on space or time, as there’s very little involved in setting up the equipment.
In our opinion, you’ll get the most out of the Bandit by combining with a TRX suspension trainer (and with a bit of guidance from the TRX Training Club), but even if you were using it solo and making up exercises as you went, you’d still appreciate its simplicity and relatively low price point.
This is the perfect workout equipment for those who don’t have a lot of storage space in their home or for those who travel a lot and like to squeeze in workouts in hotel rooms and ill-equipped gyms.
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TRX Bandit: Full review
- TRX Bandit, £69.95 at TRX -
Having already reviewed the TRX Home2 System, we were already familiar with the TRX ecosystem prior to trying out the Bandit.
TRX workout gear is incredibly simple in principle, but it allows you to complete almost unlimited variations of common exercises, such as press-ups and squats to ensure you can get a full-body workout, whatever your fitness level.
So when we were sent the Bandit, we were intrigued to see how it would add to our possibilities when completing home workouts.
Now, the Bandit isn’t exactly revolutionary in its concept; the idea of using resistance bands for home workouts has been around for a while now.
But there’s a few things that helps the Bandit add value to your workout routine.
Firstly, the handles provided make using the resistance bands a more comfortable experience and mean you can perform as many reps as you like without burning your hands up gripping a giant rubber band.
Whether we were performing chest presses, pull-downs or rows, the ergonomic handles always felt comfortable and we reckon you’ll avoid developing too much callous on your hands using the Bandit, if that’s something you’re worried about.
If you’ve already got a TRX suspension trainer (e.g. the HOME2, MOVE or PRO4) the Bandit can be integrated into workout routines with your existing equipment. Using the various anchors that come with the suspension trainers, you can add another element to your training sessions with resistance bands to help you try out more exotic exercises to keep you from slipping into a training rut.
And, finally, to get the most of Bandit, we used it alongside training classes with the TRX Training Club. With some of the expert trainers guiding you along, you can find a host of novel ways to use the bands which we wouldn’t have thought up by ourselves.
In fact, we were amazed by the ways the TRX had us sweating and straining without the use of any heavy equipment.
In terms of downsides, there are certain workouts the Bandit can’t compare with. If you’re looking to jack up your bench press one-rep-max, you might find limited uses for the Bandit. Certain types of workout can only be completed with a full weight rack and some Olympic plates.
That said, the TRX is brilliant for building up supporting muscles because the constant resistance you experience when training with bands forces you to improve your core strength and balance.
Another downside is that it can feel a bit of a phaff to wind a bunch of resistance bands around your feet when you could just pick up a pair of dumbbells in the gym.
But, if your goal is to do a few low-impact workout sessions a week and not to end up looking like Arnie in his prime, the Bandit provides plenty of ways to work up a sweat while improving your strength and fitness.
TRX Bandit: the verdict
We think the Bandit is an excellent fitness accessory. It provides you the opportunity to complete a variety of workouts with minimal storage space required.
It's definitely worth taking a look at the to get some inspiration for exercises and make the most out of your new equipment.
The only real weakness of the Bandit is that you could probably by a similar (if less elegant) solution for cheaper elsewhere.
However, especially in the case of fitness gear, we find you get what you pay for and it's very difficult to work out the quality of the bargain basement options.
In all, we really rated the TRX Bandit and will be using it alongside our TRX suspension trainer and TRX Training Club for months to come.
Where can I buy the TRX Bandit?
The most extensive range of TRX equipment is available on TRX’s official website.
There you can shop TRX’s entire range of suspension trainers, resistance equipment (including the Bandit) and plenty of other kit besides, including kettlebells, weighted vests and more.
TRX equipment is also available on and and it’s worth checking out for a second hand model (although make sure you're buying the real deal from Ebay, because there are plenty of imitators).
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