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Suspension Trainer Hamstring Runner

Intermediate
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A suspension-based lower body exercise targeting the hamstrings and glutes to build posterior chain endurance and stability; commonly used to improve running mechanics.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Lower Back

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

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

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hip Flexors

7/10

Iliopsoas

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the suspension straps at mid-calf height. Lie on your back with heels placed in the foot cradles and arms by your sides.

  1. Drive through your heels to lift your hips into a bridge position.
  2. Keep your core braced and hips elevated throughout the set.
  3. Pull one knee toward your chest while keeping the other leg extended.
  4. Simultaneously switch legs, extending the bent leg and pulling the straight leg in.
  5. Maintain a fluid, rhythmic motion mimicking running.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips high
  • Heels to butt
  • Brace core
  • Fluid motion

Breathing

Breathe rhythmically and continuously, matching the tempo of your leg movement.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Pull knees to hip level and extend legs fully without locking knees or dropping hips.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the anchor point is secure before starting.
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the lower back.

Spotting

Not recommended; perform self-supported.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Sawing the straps
  • Overarching lower back
  • Jerky movements

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Hip flexor strain
  • Recent hamstring tear

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip extension
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for stability

Build Up First

  • Master basic hip bridge
  • Familiar with TRX setup
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

TRX Hamstring Runner, Suspension Runner Curl, Alternating Leg Curl, Suspension Mountain Climber (Supine)

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