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Suspension Trainer Rotating Row

Intermediate
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A unilateral suspension exercise targeting the lats, upper back, and obliques to build pulling strength and rotational stability; commonly scaled by adjusting foot placement.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Biceps, Lower Back, Glutes

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

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

Teres Major

Traps

8/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, External Obliques

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Biceps

5/10

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the suspension trainer overhead. Grasp one handle with one hand, lean back into a plank position with feet shoulder-width apart, and extend the working arm fully while rotating the torso slightly toward the floor.

  1. Pull your chest toward the handle by driving the elbow back.
  2. Simultaneously rotate your torso to face the anchor point.
  3. Reach the free hand toward the strap or anchor for balance.
  4. Pause briefly at the top with the hand near the ribcage.
  5. Slowly extend the arm and rotate the torso back to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with the elbow
  • Keep hips square
  • Core tight like a plank
  • Follow hand with eyes

Breathing

Exhale as you pull and rotate; inhale as you lower and extend the arm.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with full arm extension and torso rotated away; pull until the handle touches the ribs and chest is square or slightly rotated open.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Wear non-slip shoes
  • Stop if you feel sharp shoulder pain

Spotting

Not recommended; self-spot by stepping feet backward to reduce difficulty.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Pulling with biceps only
  • Twisting hips excessively
  • Shrugging shoulders

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 150 degrees
  • Thoracic rotation mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic TRX row
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

TRX Rotational Row, Suspension Single Arm Row, Rotational Inverted Row, Suspension Twist Row

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