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Suspension Trainer Pull-Up

Intermediate
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Suspension trainer vertical pull that targets lats and biceps to build upper body strength; commonly scaled via leg assistance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Suspension Trainer

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms, Abs, Lower Back

Accessory Muscles

Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Traps

8/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Biceps

7/10

Shoulders

5/10

Rear Delts

Forearms

4/10

Abs

3/10

Lower Back

3/10

Glutes

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Secure suspension straps overhead. Sit on the floor directly beneath the anchor point, grasping handles with arms fully extended and legs straight or bent for assistance.

  1. Retract scapulae and drive elbows down to initiate the pull.
  2. Lift your torso vertically until your chest reaches handle height.
  3. Squeeze your back muscles at the top.
  4. Lower slowly under control to full arm extension.
  5. Use your legs for assistance only as needed.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive elbows down
  • Chest to handles
  • Shoulders away from ears
  • Core tight

Breathing

Exhale as you pull your body up, inhale as you lower down.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start from full arm extension and pull until chest is level with handles.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure before starting.
  • Maintain a neutral neck position.

Spotting

Self-spot using legs; external spotting not required.

Common Mistakes

  • Using too much leg assistance
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Leading with the chin
  • Swinging momentum

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Adequate scapular mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic pulling strength
  • Core engagement proficiency

Also known as

TRX Pull-Up, Suspension Strap Pull-Up, Floor Pull-Up, Suspension Vertical Pull

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