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TRX Rocket Launcher

Intermediate
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Explosive squat jump with TRX suspension trainer targeting quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build lower body power and cardiovascular endurance; scaled by adjusting body angle and jump height.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Lower Back, Obliques

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Power
Conditioning
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training
HIIT

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Calves

6/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-180 seconds • Longer for power focus

How to Perform

Anchor TRX securely overhead. Grip handles at chest height, lean back with body straight, feet forward to create tension.

  1. Bend knees and hips to lower into deep squat, keeping core tight and chest up.
  2. Pause briefly at bottom with thighs parallel to ground.
  3. Drive through feet explosively to jump upward, extending hips and knees fully.
  4. Land softly by bending knees and hips to absorb impact.
  5. Return immediately to squat position for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core engaged
  • Drive through heels
  • Land softly
  • Chest up always
  • Arms pull straps for stability

Breathing

Inhale during descent, brace core, and exhale forcefully during explosive jump.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs are parallel to floor; explode to full hip and knee extension during jump, landing with knees bent.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure anchor point firmly
  • Inspect straps for wear
  • Avoid if acute knee or ankle issues
  • Use athletic shoes for grip
  • Start with shallower squats if beginner

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform in open space with safeties if adding weight.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Knees caving inward
  • Hard landings on straight legs
  • Leaning too far back initially

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Ankle instability
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for squat depth

Build Up First

  • Master basic bodyweight squat
  • Familiarity with TRX tension

Also known as

TRX Launch Squat, Suspension Jump Squat

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