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TRX W-Deltoid Fly

Intermediate
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TRX suspension exercise that isolates rear deltoids and upper back through horizontal pulling to build shoulder stability and improve posture.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Rear Delts

Traps

7/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Lats

5/10

Abs

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust TRX straps to mid-length and anchor securely overhead. Stand facing the anchor, grab handles with palms facing each other, and lean back into a plank position with arms extended forward at shoulder height.

  1. Brace core and squeeze shoulder blades together.
  2. Pull chest toward anchor while separating hands laterally and bending elbows to form a 'W' shape with arms and head.
  3. Drive knuckles back above shoulders.
  4. Slowly extend arms forward, resisting gravity to return to start.
  5. Maintain straight body line from head to heels.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Keep body plank straight
  • Elbows slightly bent
  • Control the return
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Inhale as you extend arms to start position; exhale as you pull into the 'W' shape while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully forward at shoulder height; pull until elbows bend and arms form 'W' with knuckles above shoulders, keeping slight elbow bend throughout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain or injury
  • Consult professional for pre-existing shoulder issues
  • Keep slight elbow bend to protect joints
  • Maintain constant strap tension
  • Adjust angle for comfort if needed

Spotting

No spotting required; use solo or with partner for form feedback if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Using momentum
  • Locking elbows
  • Arching back
  • Incomplete range

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent shoulder injury
  • Rotator cuff issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder external rotation
  • Full shoulder flexion range

Build Up First

  • Proficient plank hold
  • Basic TRX handling
  • Scapular retraction control

Also known as

TRX Rear Delt Fly, TRX W Fly, Suspension W Deltoid Fly

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