Key points

Health and safety guidelines for suspension fitness

Suspension fitness utilises a strong anchor for attachment to a wall, inflexible cords with adjustable handles for feet and hands, and requires a sufficient amount of space within which to operate safely. These present some unique considerations for health and safety, and trainers are certainly advised to scrutinise a number of different factors:

Key safety pointers

Screening

As with any activity, screening must take place. This should be in the form of a physical activity readiness questionnaire (PARQ) and verbal screening prior to the start of the session.

Set up

Anchor height

Manufacturers’ guidelines will differ but generally a height of between two to three metres will be required in order to allow for sufficient ‘play’ with the equipment and its exercises.

Set-up length

If using ‘one-piece’ suspension equipment, the loop that allows both cables to be equal needs to be about 2 metres from the floor.

With the equipment fully extended the foot supports should be about 7 to 8 cms from the floor.

Attachment

 Frames – the anchoring end of the equipment needs to be wrapped around the attachment point.  The carabiner is clipped over the strap which is then pulled firm and ready for use.  Anchor using doors – use a door that opens away from you  Wall mounted anchor  Outdoor attachment – e.g. tree or football goalpost.

Anchor confidence

Clients’ must have absolute confidence in the anchor upon which they are hanging. This confidence should stem from the trainer’s belief in the integrity of the wall and the wall attachment employed. If a door is to be used for this purpose, it is absolutely essential that a sign of some description identifies to other users that this door must not be opened. If trainers cannot be confident that others will not heed or see the sign, the equipment is not a safe or viable option.

Suspension Fitness | Manual | Version0821 © YMCAfit 2021 Page | 11