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Suspension Trainer Alternating Hamstring Pull-In

Intermediate
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Suspension trainer alternating hamstring pull-in that targets the hamstrings and glutes to build posterior chain strength and stability; commonly scaled by adjusting the anchor position relative to the body.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques, Lower Back

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the suspension trainer overhead with foot cradles at mid-calf height. Lie supine with heels placed in the cradles, legs fully extended, and arms resting by your sides.

  1. Drive heels down to lift hips off the floor, forming a straight line from shoulders to feet.
  2. Pull one heel toward your glutes while keeping the other leg extended and hips elevated.
  3. Squeeze the hamstring of the working leg at the peak of the movement.
  4. Control the leg back to the starting extended position.
  5. Immediately repeat the movement with the opposite leg.
  6. Continue alternating legs while maintaining a stable bridge.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips high
  • Ribs down
  • Saw the legs
  • Glutes engaged
  • No sagging

Breathing

Exhale as you pull your heel in and brace your core; inhale as you extend the leg back out.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Keep hips elevated throughout the set; pull the heel in until the knee bends to at least 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Stop if you feel sharp lower back pain
  • Keep movement controlled

Spotting

Not recommended; perform solo with appropriate strap length.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging
  • Excessive swinging
  • Hyperextending lower back
  • Uneven strap length

When to Avoid

  • Acute hamstring strain
  • Lower back injury
  • Hip instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip extension
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for bridge

Build Up First

  • Master glute bridge
  • Basic core stability

Also known as

TRX Alternating Hamstring Curl, Suspension Hamstring Runner, TRX Hamstring Runner, Suspension Alternating Leg Curl, Alternating Suspension Curl

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