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TRX Pendulum Swings

Intermediate
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TRX suspension exercise in plank position with feet in cradles, swinging legs side to side to target obliques and core for rotational strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Rings

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Shoulders, Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Hip Flexors

3/10

Iliopsoas

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Recover fully between sets

How to Perform

Anchor TRX securely overhead with foot cradles at mid-calf height. Place feet in cradles, walk hands forward to plank position with body straight.

  1. Brace core and glutes, maintain level hips.
  2. Swing legs together to one side using obliques, keeping upper body stable.
  3. Rotate hips as legs reach peak swing.
  4. Return through center to opposite side smoothly.
  5. Continue alternating sides in controlled pendulum motion.
  6. Maintain straight line from head to heels throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight always
  • Hips level, no sag
  • Upper body still
  • Legs together
  • Control the arc
  • Breathe steadily

Breathing

Inhale during swing preparation, exhale as you initiate and control the swing.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Swing legs from center plank to 45 degrees each side, hips rotating fully without upper body twist or hip sag.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure anchor before starting
  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Progress slowly to prevent joint stress
  • Keep movements controlled to protect spine
  • Test strap tension without full weight

Spotting

Not required; use stable anchor point for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging low
  • Jerky uncontrolled swings
  • Upper body twisting
  • Slack in straps
  • Fast momentum reliance
  • Lower back arching

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder instability
  • Recent hip surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Hip rotation range
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank

Build Up First

  • Proficient plank hold
  • Core bracing technique
  • Basic TRX familiarity

Also known as

TRX Side Swings, Suspension Pendulum

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