Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Core, Shoulders
Equipment
Trx
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Push
Preview a first week that includes TRX Tricep Extension
MySetPlan shows you when to use TRX Tricep Extension, how many sets and reps to do, what to pair it with, and how to progress next week.
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Exercise guidance based on established strength-training principles and practical programming.
TRX tricep extensions use suspension straps to create a bodyweight skull crusher variation. You face away from the anchor point and lower your body by bending your elbows, then press back up. The further you walk your feet back, the more horizontal your body becomes and the harder the exercise gets.
When to use it
Use for bodyweight tricep isolation.
Who it's for
Intermediate lifters comfortable with TRX.
Face away from the anchor with arms extended, hands at about forehead height. Keep your body rigid like a plank. Lower by bending only at your elbows—do not let them drop or flare. Extend back to start. Adjust difficulty by walking feet forward (easier) or back (harder).
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Hold TRX handles facing away from anchor.
Walk feet back to create angle, arms extended forward.
Keep body straight, hands near forehead.
Lower body by bending elbows, keeping them fixed.
Extend elbows to push body back up.
Squeeze triceps at full extension.
The more horizontal your body, the harder it is.
Keep core engaged throughout.
Dont let elbows flare.
Use TRX extensions for bodyweight tricep isolation, during travel, or as part of suspension training circuits. They provide an excellent skull crusher alternative without equipment. Include them when you want strict isolation with scalable difficulty.
Dropping hips - this is a common issue that reduces exercise effectiveness.
Losing hip position during the TRX Tricep Extension changes the loading pattern and can reduce the intended work for your Triceps. Keep your hips aligned with the setup cues and move only through the range you can control.
Moving whole arm instead of just bending elbows.
Letting your elbows drift away from the intended path during the TRX Tricep Extension can change which muscles carry the load. Use the elbow position described in the setup cues and keep it consistent through each rep.
Going too fast which reduces muscle tension and control.
Rushing through the TRX Tricep Extension makes it easier to lose position and harder to keep tension on your Triceps. Slow down enough to control both the lifting and lowering portions of each rep.
Intermediate lifters comfortable with TRX.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 60 seconds.
MySetPlan places TRX Tricep Extension inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, lets you swap if equipment is busy, and tells you what to do next.
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TRX Tricep Extension
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Frequently Asked Questions About the TRX Tricep Extension
The TRX Tricep Extension primarily targets the Triceps, making it an effective exercise for triceps development. Secondary muscles worked during the TRX Tricep Extension include Core, Anterior deltoid, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Shoulders.
The TRX Tricep Extension is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate lifters comfortable with TRX. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the TRX Tricep Extension, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 60 seconds. For strength, use 6-10 reps. For muscle growth, perform 10-15 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
The TRX Tricep Extension typically requires a trx, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the TRX Tricep Extension include: Diamond Push-Up, Bench Dip, Band Pushdown. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the TRX Tricep Extension and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.