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Suspension Trainer Curtsy Lunge

Intermediate
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A unilateral lower-body exercise using a suspension trainer that targets the glutes, quads, and hamstrings to build single-leg strength and stability; commonly scaled by adjusting the depth of the lunge.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand facing the anchor point holding the handles with elbows bent by your sides, keeping tension on the straps.

  1. Balance on your right foot while lifting your left foot slightly off the floor.
  2. Lower your hips and cross your left leg behind your right leg in a curtsy motion.
  3. Descend until your right thigh is parallel to the floor, keeping your knee tracking over your toes.
  4. Drive through your right heel to return to the starting position.
  5. Complete the set on one side before switching.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep chest up
  • Knee over toe
  • Light grip on handles
  • Hips square
  • Drive through heel

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the lunge, and exhale as you drive back up to the starting position.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until the front thigh is parallel to the ground and the back knee hovers just above the floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the floor is not slippery
  • Maintain tension on the straps
  • Stop if you feel knee pain

Spotting

Not recommended; use the suspension trainer handles for self-assistance.

Common Mistakes

  • Using arms to pull up
  • Front knee collapsing inward
  • Twisting hips excessively
  • Touching back foot to ground for rest

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Hip instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip internal rotation for cross step

Build Up First

  • Master basic lunge form
  • Familiarity with TRX balance

Also known as

TRX Curtsy Lunge, Suspension Curtsy Lunge, Cross-Behind Lunge, TRX Cross Lunge

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