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TRX Crunch and Curl

Intermediate
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TRX suspension exercise that combines a crunch and bicep curl to target core and biceps, building strength, stability, and coordination through bodyweight instability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Lats

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
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

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor TRX securely overhead. Sit facing anchor, grip handles underhand, lie back with knees bent and arms extended, core braced.

  1. Brace core and engage abs.
  2. Exhale as you crunch shoulders off floor while curling handles to shoulders.
  3. Keep elbows close to sides during curl.
  4. Squeeze abs and biceps at top.
  5. Inhale and slowly extend arms while lowering shoulders to floor.
  6. Maintain strap tension throughout.
  7. Repeat for reps with control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight always
  • Elbows to sides
  • Squeeze at top
  • Controlled lower
  • Neutral spine
  • Grip firm

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale during crunch and curl.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lift shoulders until upper back is off floor and elbows bent to 90 degrees; fully extend arms to start.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure anchor point
  • Avoid lower back arch
  • Stop if sharp pain
  • Firm grip to prevent slip
  • Progress gradually

Spotting

Not required; self-spot with body angle adjustment.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Swinging with momentum
  • Loose core
  • Incomplete range
  • Head pulling

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion
  • Hip mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic plank hold
  • Bodyweight curl proficiency

Also known as

TRX Curl to Crunch, Suspension Crunch and Curl, TRX Core Curl

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