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TRX Atomic Push-Up

Intermediate
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A suspended push-up combined with knee tuck using TRX straps that targets chest, shoulders, triceps, and core for full-body strength, stability, and conditioning; commonly used in functional training.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Mid Chest

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

7/10

Hip Flexors

6/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor TRX securely overhead. Place feet in foot cradles while facing away from anchor, assume high plank with hands under shoulders and body straight.

  1. Inhale and lower chest to floor by bending elbows at 45 degrees.
  2. Exhale and press up to full plank extension.
  3. Shift weight forward and drive knees to chest by flexing hips and engaging core.
  4. Roll pelvis under during tuck to maintain neutral spine.
  5. Extend legs back to plank position with control.
  6. Repeat sequence seamlessly.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body straight
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Core tight always
  • Roll pelvis under
  • Shoulders stable

Breathing

Inhale during descent of push-up, exhale through press-up and knee tuck while bracing core.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until chest nears floor and upper arms parallel; tuck knees to elbows while keeping back neutral.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure TRX anchor is secure
  • Avoid if shoulder instability present
  • Master basic push-up and plank first
  • Stop if lower back pain occurs
  • Use controlled speed to prevent momentum

Spotting

Not recommended; perform solo with proper form or use progressions for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Swinging during tuck
  • Arched lower back
  • Elbows flaring wide
  • Incomplete knee tuck

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injury
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion
  • Adequate hip flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank

Build Up First

  • Master standard push-up
  • Proficient in TRX plank
  • Competent in basic knee tuck

Also known as

TRX Atomic Pushup, Suspended Atomic Push-Up, TRX Push-Up with Knee Tuck

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