SNEWS Qs, Manufacturer Edition: Bob Harms, Serius Strap

Bob Harms

Serius Strap, Coleman, Texas

1-800-445-5262

What makes your suspension-training device different from others on the market?

The 180-degree rotating handles. The biomechanically correct wrist position is vital to safe and effective exercise. Just as in the EZCurl Bars, Triceps Ropes, the Hammer Grip a rotating, the Serius Strap allows users to turn the handles.

The Original Serius Strap features a patented handle design that allows the user to easily duplicate the grip and wrist positions you find in the health club. This feature is especially important when the exerciser is in full suspension. The Serius Strap also offers a combo anchor system that can be used over a door or attached to an overhead anchor. Also, our Serius Strap is made in the U.S.A., and includes all the standard features and adjustments other products offer, and competes with all imports in the value-priced category. The Serius Strap retails for $49.99. Value!

Why do you think suspension training has become so popular recently?

Suspension training is an exceptional form of functional, bodyweight exercise. It provides the advanced exerciser and athlete a remarkably challenging, effective and engaging workout that is compact in time and convenience. Suspension training is also ideal for the novice or casual exerciser — it allows them to control the resistance easily, and combine upper and lower body moves to achieve the maximum benefit in the minimum time. Strength and cardio gains are readily apparent, this is important for an exercise equipment retailer, as customer success leads to repeat customers.

What was the motivation behind the design of your product?

The 180-degree patented rotating handle featured on the Original SeriusStrap has been a staple in physical therapy wrist, elbow and shoulder rehab for over five years. You’ll find it in medical faculties throughout the world on range of motion and upper extremity rehab products. The natural extension of the benefits it offers with multiple grip positions are a perfect fit in suspension training. The exercise market needs to focus on products that absolutely provide their customer a positive, successful and safe exercise experience if we wish to grow our user base, exercise with the Serius Strap will provide that experience.


Is suspension training a fad or do you think it’s around to stay?



Suspension training, which a methodology within the realm of functional training, is not a fad. A fad by definition is a media-driven event that appeals to consumer’s fantasy of a result that is easy, quick and requires no effort. Shame on any fitness professional that promotes, profits from, or participates in a fad.

Functional training, on the other hand, has been utilized in one form or another by our industry since its inception and has organically grown to the extraordinary proportions it enjoys today because it works. Like other functional training methods, suspension training promises results that are proportionate with effort, results that are achievable and can reasonably be expected. Suspension training will continue to grow into an important tool we have to offer our customers for a very long time.

How can specialty fitness retailers better serve customers?

The specialty fitness retailers struggle to get consumers in their door. It has been the age-old issue since the inception of retail fitness. Once in, though, they need to qualify their customers to ensure they do not purchase the wrong product for them to accomplish their goals. Consumers are inundated with “As Seen On TV” products that normally do not work as claimed.

Don’t just take their money, for chances are you will never see that customer again. Follow-up with all your customers on a regular basis to say hello and to ask them how their workouts are going. Staying in touch with your customers allows them to know you care and keeps a customer for life.

–Compiled by Ana Trujillo