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Exercise guide

Suspension Row

A complete movement guide from 4-Week Beginner Full-Body Foundation: Progression Cycle 3

Back Bodyweight StrengthPullFunctional
Suspension Row exercise animation
Purpose and technique

How this exercise works

The Suspension Row is a bodyweight exercise performed using suspension straps. It targets the muscles of the upper back, including the rhomboids, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi, as well as the biceps and core. This exercise enhances upper body strength, stability, and posture.

LatissimusShoulders Back BackBack LowerBack Upper
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Description

Movement overview

The Suspension Row is a bodyweight exercise performed using suspension straps. It targets the muscles of the upper back, including the rhomboids, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi, as well as the biceps and core. This exercise enhances upper body strength, stability, and posture.

Execution

Step-by-step cues

  1. Adjust the suspension straps to hang at waist height.
  2. Stand facing the anchor point and grasp the handles with an overhand grip.
  3. Lean back until your body is at an angle, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
  4. Engage your core and maintain a straight line from head to heels.
  5. Pull your chest towards the handles by retracting your shoulder blades and bending your elbows.
  6. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  7. Slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Coach notes

Technical tips

  • Ensure that the straps are securely anchored before starting.
  • Keep your body in a straight line throughout the movement to engage your core effectively.
  • Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than relying solely on your arms.
  • Control the movement both on the way up and down to maximize muscle engagement.
  • Adjust your foot position to increase or decrease difficulty; stepping further away from the anchor point increases resistance.
  • Maintain a neutral neck position by looking slightly ahead rather than up or down.
  • Breathe out as you pull yourself up and inhale as you lower back down.
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