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Suspension Trainer Crunch and Curl

Intermediate
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A suspension trainer exercise combining a bicep curl and abdominal crunch to target the biceps and core for strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Suspension Trainer

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Lats

Popularity Score

6

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

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the suspension straps overhead. Sit facing the anchor, grip the handles with an underhand grip, and lie back with knees bent and arms fully extended.

  1. Brace the core and engage the glutes.
  2. Exhale and curl the handles toward the forehead while crunching the shoulders off the floor.
  3. Squeeze the biceps and abs firmly at the top of the movement.
  4. Inhale and slowly lower the torso while extending the arms back to the start.
  5. Maintain tension on the straps throughout the repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chin tucked
  • Elbows high
  • Ribs down
  • Constant tension
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Exhale as you curl and crunch up; inhale as you lower with control.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms fully extended; curl until elbows are past 90 degrees and shoulder blades are off the floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Stop if you feel neck pain
  • Keep grip firm to prevent slipping

Spotting

Not recommended; adjust foot position closer to anchor to increase difficulty.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling with neck
  • Slack in straps
  • Using momentum
  • Dropping hips
  • Incomplete extension

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion
  • Hip mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic plank hold
  • Bodyweight curl proficiency

Also known as

TRX Crunch and Curl, Suspension Curl to Crunch, TRX Core Curl, Suspension Bicep Curl Crunch, Supine Suspension Curl

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