At first glance, the Sidekick looks nothing more than a jump rope that you can use to put in a low-cost but highly-effective cardio workout. And while it does work as one, it also doubles as a handy suspension trainer that you can use to perform resistance-based exercises for a more complete workout.
Similar to the Monkii, the suspension trainer ditches the wide and thick heavy-duty straps in favor of thinner cables that allow it to function as a jump rope for doing your speed steps, side-swings, and criss-crosses. That also allows it to be more portable than traditional suspension trainers, making it possible to cram into your pants pocket or a backpack pouch.
The Sidekick uses an extra-strength braided paracord that’s rated to withstand up to 1,200 pounds of weight, so you can safely perform your favorite exercises without worrying about the whole thing breaking mid-way through a move. While there’s no length adjustment similar to strap-based suspension trainers, it does use a pair of snap clips that you can use to hang it either in a short or long configuration, so you get two options in length. Plus, it does come in multiple lengths (you can buy shorter or longer, depending on your body type and exercise preferences), with the added option of winding the cable around the beam if you need it to be just a little shorter than usual. It comes with a storage sleeve, so the cables won’t be dangling while you carry it around.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for Sidekick. Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $69.