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TRX Hammer Curl

Intermediate
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TRX Hammer Curl targets biceps, brachialis, and forearms using a neutral grip for arm thickness and strength; scalable by adjusting body angle in a plank position.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps, Forearms

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Accessory Muscles

Obliques, Shoulders

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

9/10

Long Head, Brachialis

Forearms

8/10

Flexors

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

2/10

External Obliques

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor TRX at mid-calf length with handles at hip height. Face anchor, grip handles neutrally, lean back to full arm extension in plank.

  1. Brace core and glutes to hold plank.
  2. Keep elbows fixed forward of shoulders.
  3. Flex elbows to pull fists to temples.
  4. Squeeze biceps and forearms at top.
  5. Pause briefly.
  6. Extend arms slowly to start.
  7. Maintain body alignment throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows front and high.
  • Body rigid like plank.
  • Squeeze at top.
  • Control descent.
  • Neutral palms in.
  • No hip sag.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower; exhale as you curl up and brace core.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Full elbow extension at bottom to fists reaching temples at top, body in straight plank.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Check anchor security before use.
  • Avoid if acute elbow or shoulder pain.
  • Keep straps taut to prevent slips.
  • Stop on sharp wrist discomfort.
  • Inspect equipment for wear.
  • Maintain plank to avoid back strain.

Spotting

No spotter needed; use self-assisted regressions or stable anchor.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging body for momentum.
  • Elbows dropping back.
  • Hips sagging or arching.
  • Straps rubbing arms.
  • Loose straps from poor control.
  • Flaring elbows out.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Wrist neutral grip tolerance

Build Up First

  • Stable plank hold
  • Basic bodyweight row competency

Also known as

TRX Neutral Grip Curl, Suspension Hammer Curl, TRX Bicep Hammer

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