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Suspension Trainer Pike Push-Up

Intermediate
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A compound combination of a push-up and a pike using a suspension trainer that targets the chest, shoulders, and core to build upper body strength and dynamic stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Glutes

Popularity Score

5

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

Chest

9/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis

Triceps

7/10

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the suspension trainer straps at mid-calf height. Place your feet in the foot cradles and assume a high plank position with hands under shoulders and core braced.

  1. Lower your chest toward the floor by bending the elbows while keeping the body in a straight line.
  2. Push back up to the starting plank position.
  3. Immediately lift your hips toward the ceiling while keeping legs straight to form an inverted V shape.
  4. Control the descent of your hips back to the plank position.
  5. Repeat the push-up and pike sequence for every rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace core tightly
  • Don't sag hips
  • Legs straight in pike
  • Elbows at 45 degrees

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the push-up, exhale as you push up and lift hips into the pike.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Chest to just above the floor in the push-up; hips flexed to approximately 90 degrees in the pike.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Stop if you feel lower back pain
  • Maintain shoulder stability

Spotting

Not recommended; perform in a controlled environment.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging lower back
  • Bending knees during pike
  • Using momentum
  • Flaring elbows

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist pain
  • Lower back issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Hip hinge mobility

Build Up First

  • Proficient plank hold
  • Basic push-up form

Also known as

TRX Pike Push-Up, Atomic Push-Up, Suspension Strap Pike Push-Up, Jackknife Push-Up, Suspension Atomic Pike

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