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TRX Split Squat

Intermediate
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TRX Split Squat is a unilateral lower body exercise using suspension straps to elevate the rear foot, targeting quadriceps and glutes for strength, stability, and imbalance correction; scaled by adding weights or adjusting depth.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
Conditioning

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

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust TRX straps to mid-length and anchor securely. Stand facing away from anchor, place top of one foot in both stirrups with toes forward, step front foot forward into staggered stance.

  1. Bend both knees to lower body, keeping front knee over ankle.
  2. Descend until front thigh is parallel to floor and back knee hovers near ground.
  3. Drive through front heel to extend knee and hip, returning to start.
  4. Keep torso upright and core engaged throughout.
  5. Switch legs after completing reps on one side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Torso tall
  • Knee tracks toes
  • Heel drives up
  • Core tight
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Inhale during descent to brace core; exhale forcefully as you drive up.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh parallels floor; back knee approaches ground without touching; front knee stays over ankle without passing toes.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure TRX anchor before starting
  • Avoid if acute knee pain present
  • Warm up legs and core
  • Stop if lower back strain occurs

Spotting

No spotter needed; use self-supported variations for beginners or ensure stable setup.

Common Mistakes

  • Front knee caves inward
  • Leaning forward excessively
  • Rushing the descent
  • Uneven stance width

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Hip instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range for depth

Build Up First

  • Master basic bodyweight squat
  • Familiarity with unilateral balance

Also known as

TRX Bulgarian Split Squat, Suspension Split Squat, TRX Rear Foot Elevated Lunge

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