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TRX Forearm Plank

Intermediate
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A suspended forearm plank using TRX straps that targets the abs, obliques, and lower back to build core stability, endurance, and balance against instability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Triceps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Endurance
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

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Quads

5/10

Rectus Femoris

Triceps

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-60 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Adjust based on hold duration

How to Perform

Adjust TRX straps to mid-calf length. Place feet in cradles while kneeling facing away from anchor. Position forearms on floor under shoulders.

  1. Engage core and lift knees off floor to extend body into straight line from head to heels.
  2. Press forearms into ground and heels into cradles.
  3. Brace abs, squeeze glutes, and keep shoulders over elbows.
  4. Maintain rigid position without sagging hips or piking butt.
  5. Hold steadily while breathing controlled.
  6. Lower knees to floor to release.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Body like a surfboard.
  • Core tight throughout.
  • Shoulders packed down.
  • Heels pressed back.
  • No arch in back.

Breathing

Inhale deeply through nose, exhale through mouth; brace core on exhale to maintain stability.

Tempo

0-30-0

Range of Motion

Body straight from head to heels; elbows at 90 degrees under shoulders; no hip sag or rise.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain.
  • Ensure stable anchor point.
  • Stop if shoulders feel unstable.
  • Use shorter holds if beginner.
  • Flex ankles for foot security.

Spotting

No spotter needed; use assisted variations for beginners or perform near wall for support.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips strains back.
  • Butt too high reduces core work.
  • Shrugging shoulders fatigues neck.
  • Shallow breathing limits stability.
  • Swinging feet loses form.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for stability

Build Up First

  • Basic plank hold competency
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

TRX Suspension Plank, TRX Forearm Hold, Suspension Trainer Plank

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