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TRX Overhead Squat

Intermediate
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TRX Overhead Squat uses suspension straps for an assisted full-body squat with arms extended overhead, targeting quads, glutes, and core to build lower body strength, shoulder stability, and functional control.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Hamstrings, Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Hamstrings

4/10

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

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. Stand facing the anchor point with feet shoulder-width apart, grab handles, and extend arms overhead into a Y shape with tension in the straps.

  1. Brace core and push shoulders back to engage upper back.
  2. Keep arms extended overhead and gaze forward.
  3. Bend knees and push hips back to lower into squat.
  4. Descend until thighs are parallel to ground while maintaining upright torso.
  5. Drive through heels to extend hips and knees.
  6. Squeeze glutes at top and keep slight knee bend.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Core tight
  • Knees track toes
  • Arms to ceiling
  • Heels down

Breathing

Inhale during descent and brace core; exhale during ascent.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to ground or deeper if form allows; arms fully extended overhead with elbows straight.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder or lower back pain
  • Maintain constant strap tension for support
  • Stop if losing overhead position

Spotting

No spotter needed; TRX provides self-support, but use safeties if adding load.

Common Mistakes

  • Excessive forward lean
  • Knees caving inward
  • Arms dropping forward
  • Hanging on straps

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute lower back pain
  • Poor shoulder mobility

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for squat depth

Build Up First

  • Basic squat technique
  • Core bracing proficiency

Also known as

Suspension Trainer Overhead Squat, TRX Assisted Overhead Squat, Overhead Suspension Squat

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