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TRX Reverse Mountain Climber

Intermediate
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TRX Reverse Mountain Climber uses suspension straps in an inverted plank for alternating knee drives to chest, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and core to build stability and endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors, Lower Back

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Endurance
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Hip Flexors

5/10

Iliopsoas

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor TRX straps securely overhead. Lie supine under anchor, place heels in foot cradles, arms at sides palms down. Lift hips to form straight line from head to heels in inverted plank.

  1. Engage core and glutes to hold plank position.
  2. Drive one knee toward chest using hamstrings and glutes.
  3. Extend leg back while driving opposite knee forward.
  4. Maintain straight body line without hip sag.
  5. Alternate knees in fluid jogging motion.
  6. Continue for reps or time with control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep hips level
  • Pull with glutes
  • Core tight always
  • Straight line body
  • Controlled alternations
  • No arching back

Breathing

Inhale as you extend leg, exhale forcefully as you drive knee to chest while bracing core.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Knee drives from full extension to chest contact, body remains straight from head to heels without sagging.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute back or shoulder injury
  • Secure TRX anchor before starting
  • Stop if pain in hips or spine
  • Maintain neutral spine alignment
  • Consult professional for form check

Spotting

No spotter needed; use self-supported setup or have partner monitor form from side.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging downward
  • Jerky uncontrolled movements
  • Arched lower back
  • Uneven leg alternation
  • Incomplete knee drive

When to Avoid

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

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Hip mobility for knee drive

Build Up First

  • Master basic plank hold
  • Familiarity with TRX setup
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

TRX Inverted Mountain Climber, Suspension Reverse Climber, TRX Reverse Climbers

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