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TRX Single-Leg Squat

Intermediate
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A unilateral squat using TRX suspension trainer that targets quads and glutes to build strength, balance, and stability; scalable support for pistol squat progression.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Calves, Abs, Abductors, Adductors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
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

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

5/10

Calves

4/10

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Abductors

3/10

Glute Medius

Adductors

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor TRX at mid-calf length facing you. Grasp handles with arms extended forward, feet hip-width apart, shift weight to one foot and lift the other forward.

  1. Extend non-working leg forward with slight knee bend.
  2. Hinge at hips and flex standing knee to lower body.
  3. Keep chest lifted and core engaged during descent.
  4. Lower until standing thigh is parallel to ground.
  5. Drive through heel of standing foot to extend hip and knee.
  6. Return to upright position using minimal TRX assistance.
  7. Switch legs after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knees track over toes
  • Chest up and shoulders back
  • Core braced tight
  • Drive through heel
  • Minimize arm pull

Breathing

Inhale as you descend into the squat; exhale as you drive up. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Descend until thigh of standing leg is parallel to floor; fully extend hip and knee at top without hyperextension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or ankle injury exists
  • Ensure stable anchor point
  • Do not force depth beyond mobility limits
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Use progressions if balance is poor

Spotting

No spotter required; TRX provides stability. Perform near wall for additional support if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee collapsing inward
  • Excessive arm rowing
  • Rounding the back
  • Using momentum to rise
  • Leaning back into straps too much

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Severe balance impairments
  • Recent lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range for depth

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in bilateral squats
  • Basic single-leg balance control

Also known as

TRX Pistol Squat, Suspended Single-Leg Squat, TRX Assisted Pistol

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