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Suspension Trainer Plank Abduction

Intermediate
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A suspension trainer core exercise that targets the abs, obliques, and hip abductors to build stability and anti-rotation strength; commonly scaled by adjusting the pendulum angle.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Shoulders, Hamstrings

Accessory Muscles

Triceps

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Stability
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Glutes

7/10

Glute Medius

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Hamstrings

3/10

Triceps

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust the suspension trainer straps to mid-calf length. Place feet into the foot cradles and assume a high plank position with hands under shoulders and body in a straight line.

  1. Brace core and squeeze glutes to maintain a rigid plank position.
  2. Simultaneously press both legs outward, abducting hips while keeping the pelvis level.
  3. Pause briefly at the widest controllable point without letting hips sag.
  4. Control the legs back to the center starting position.
  5. Repeat for reps while maintaining constant core tension.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Ribs down
  • Glutes squeezed
  • Push the floor away
  • Keep hips level
  • Control the return

Breathing

Exhale as you spread your legs apart, inhale as you return legs to the center.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Abduct legs as wide as possible while maintaining a flat back and stable hip position.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the lower back
  • Ensure straps are securely anchored before starting

Spotting

Not recommended; regress to a floor plank or knee plank if form breaks down.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Piking hips upward
  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum
  • Looking up

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Hip instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion for plank hold
  • Ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip abduction range

Build Up First

  • Master basic plank
  • Proficient TRX setup
  • Core bracing competency

Also known as

TRX Hip Abduction Plank, Suspension Plank Leg Abduction, TRX Core Abduction Plank, Suspension Strap Plank Abduction

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