Overhead Back Extension (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
An advanced suspension pulling exercise with overhead positioning, emphasizing lat and lower back development. Requires significant strength and shoulder stability.
Instructions
- Stand facing the TRX anchor point and grasp the handles overhead
- Walk your feet forward to create an inverted body angle
- Your arms should be extended overhead in the starting position
- Pull your body toward the anchor point using your lats and back muscles
- Bring your upper chest toward the handles in a lat pull-like motion
- Your elbows should drive down and back during the pull
- Lower yourself under control to the starting position
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions
Tips
- This is an advanced movement; master standard rows before attempting this
- Your shoulders must be stable and strong for this variation
- Maintain a rigid body line throughout the movement
- The more horizontal your body, the harder the exercise
- Start with a steeper body angle and progress to more horizontal
- Feel the lats and lower back working
- Breathe in as you lower, exhale as you pull
- Control the movement; avoid jerky or explosive motions
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |