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TRX Squat to Y Fly

Intermediate
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TRX Squat to Y Fly combines a supported squat with a Y-shaped arm raise using suspension straps, targeting quads, glutes, shoulders, and upper back to build full-body strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands, Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques, Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
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

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Shoulders

8/10

Rear Delts

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps, Lower Traps

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust TRX straps to mid-length. Stand facing anchor, grip handles with overhand grip, step back to create tension and slight lean, feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended forward at shoulder height, core engaged.

  1. Lower into squat by pushing hips back and bending knees, keeping arms straight and extended forward.
  2. Maintain plank-like body position with weight on heels.
  3. Drive through heels to stand up, simultaneously raising arms overhead into Y shape.
  4. Squeeze shoulder blades together at top.
  5. Control arms back to shoulder height as you lean slightly.
  6. Repeat for reps, keeping core tight.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core engaged
  • Arms straight throughout
  • Weight on heels
  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Maintain diagonal body line
  • Knees track over toes

Breathing

Inhale during descent into squat and arm lower; exhale as you drive up and raise arms.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Squat until thighs parallel to ground; raise arms to form Y overhead with slight elbow bend, body in straight line.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Verify TRX anchor security
  • Avoid if acute shoulder or knee pain
  • Adjust lean for ability level
  • Stop if dizziness occurs
  • Use shallower squat if hip mobility limited
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect lower back

Spotting

Not required; self-supported bodyweight exercise, but partner can assist with form cues if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees caving inward
  • Arched back or sagging hips
  • Jerky arm movements
  • Incomplete squat depth
  • Slack in straps
  • Leaning too far forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Knee joint instability
  • Lower back strain
  • Poor balance or dizziness

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for squat
  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Hip flexion without compensation

Build Up First

  • Basic squat technique
  • Familiarity with TRX handling
  • Core bracing proficiency

Also known as

TRX Y Fly Squat, Suspension Squat Y Raise, TRX Squat Y Raise

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