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Suspension Trainer Side Plank

Intermediate
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A suspension trainer core exercise that targets the obliques and abs to build lateral stability and strength; commonly scaled by adjusting the pendulum angle or performing from the knees.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Glutes, Quads

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

5/10

Glute Medius

Quads

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-60 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust the suspension trainer straps to mid-calf height. Lie on your side facing the anchor point and place both feet into the foot cradles, with the top foot slightly forward (heel to toe).

  1. Place your bottom elbow directly under the shoulder with the forearm flat on the floor.
  2. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes to stabilize the pelvis.
  3. Press through the forearm to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  4. Hold the top position, maintaining alignment and resisting rotation.
  5. Lower your hips with control to return to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbow under shoulder
  • Ribs down
  • Squeeze glutes
  • Drive hips up
  • Long spine

Breathing

Exhale as you lift the hips and brace the core; breathe rhythmically and shallowly while holding the position.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Lift hips until the spine is neutral and parallel to the floor; avoid sagging or hyperextending upward.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the anchor point is secure before loading
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the shoulder
  • Keep the neck neutral to avoid strain

Spotting

Not recommended; perform on the floor or knees if the suspension version is too difficult.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging toward floor
  • Top shoulder rolling forward
  • Elbow sliding away from body
  • Holding breath

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion
  • Hip mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic side plank
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

TRX Side Plank, Suspended Side Plank, TRX Oblique Plank, Feet Elevated Side Plank

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