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Suspension Trainer Squat

Beginner
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Suspension trainer squat that targets quads and glutes to build lower body strength and stability; commonly used as a regression for standard squats to improve form.

About Exercise

Equipment

Suspension Trainer

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Calves, Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius

Hip Flexors

3/10

Iliopsoas

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust suspension straps to mid-length and stand facing the anchor point with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles with slight tension on the straps.

  1. Keep chest up and initiate the movement by pushing hips back and bending knees.
  2. Lower your body until thighs are at least parallel to the floor.
  3. Maintain a neutral spine and use the straps for balance or slight assistance.
  4. Drive through your feet to extend hips and knees, returning to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Knees track toes
  • Light grip
  • Sit back
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the squat, exhale as you drive back up.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs are parallel to the ground or deeper if mobility allows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Maintain tension on straps throughout
  • Avoid excessive leaning

Spotting

Not recommended; self-spot using the handles.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling too much with arms
  • Rounding the back
  • Leaning too far back
  • Knees caving inward

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form knowledge

Also known as

TRX Squat, Suspension Squat, Assisted Squat, Strap Squat, Bodyweight Suspension Squat

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