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TRX Chest Fly

Intermediate
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Suspension trainer exercise that targets pectorals and anterior deltoids for chest strength and core stability; adjustable by changing body angle relative to anchor.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques, Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Glutes

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust TRX straps to full length and anchor securely overhead. Stand facing away, hold handles with palms facing each other, lean forward into plank position with arms extended at chest height.

  1. Open arms out to sides in controlled arc, keeping slight elbow bend.
  2. Lower until stretch in chest at shoulder level.
  3. Squeeze chest to bring arms back together.
  4. Maintain straight body line from head to heels.
  5. Repeat for reps, controlling tempo.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core tight
  • Squeeze chest hard
  • Elbows soft, not locked
  • Body straight, no sag
  • Palms face in

Breathing

Inhale as you open arms, exhale forcefully as you squeeze chest to return.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Arms extend from straight ahead to parallel with shoulders, slight elbow bend throughout; body remains in straight plank.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Do not exceed shoulder-level arm extension
  • Engage core to protect back
  • Master TRX press first if beginner

Spotting

Not required; use stable anchor and controlled form to self-spot instability.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Locking elbows
  • Using momentum
  • Overstretching shoulders
  • Dropping hips

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent rotator cuff injury
  • Lower back issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank stability

Build Up First

  • Mastery of plank position
  • Basic TRX chest press proficiency

Also known as

Suspension Chest Fly, TRX Fly, Bodyweight Chest Fly

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