How to do a TRX Power Pull
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About TRX Power Pull
Instructions for Proper Form
This is a compound, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets your back. Because you’re only holding the straps with one hand, you need to stabilize your upper body as you perform the movement. In addition, you aren’t able to compensate for any weaknesses between sides. You can easily adjust the resistance of this exercise by moving yourself closer or further from the anchor point.
- Stand upright holding onto the TRX handles with a bent right arm in front of your right shoulder. Keep a straight line from your shoulders to your heels as you fall backward extending your right arm and simultaneously rotating your torso to the left to reach your left arm behind you. Bend your right elbow to return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side.
Common Form Mistakes
Adjusting Difficult with TRX
Copying someone else’s form is usually a great way to learn an exercise. With TRX straps, it can be a bit more tricky. Adjusting where you stand in relation to the anchor point will add more or less resistance to the exercise. Make sure you’re positioning yourself in a way that gives you the proper resistance for your current capabilities.
Sets & Reps Calculator
Average TRX Power Pull standards by male, female, gender, weight, age and height
Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.
- beginner3sets7reps1 Set Max8reps
- intermediate4sets7reps9reps
- advanced4sets8reps10reps
Enter your stats to calculate your Sets & Reps
Alternative Exercises to TRX Power Pull
1. Dumbbell Row
99.9 mSCORESWAPPED 455 TIMESThis compound movement primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps, as well as requiring some core activation for stability. By bracing yourself on the flat bench, you can position your torso parallel to the ground, without needing specific equipment. This is a great exercise with or without limited equipment, and a staple in many back workouts.
2. TRX Row
37.7 mSCORESWAPPED 436 TIMESTRX Row is a compound, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the back. The use of a TRX strap helps to prevent compensating for strength discrepancies between sides, while also adding some instability to the movement. You can also easily add or remove resistance during your set by stepping your feet closer or further from the anchor point. This is a great exercise for adding some variety to your rows, as well as building strength.
3. Lat Pulldown
100 mSCORESWAPPED 406 TIMESThis compound exercise primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps. The movement itself is based on a Pull Up, however, by locking your legs into place, you can add significantly more stability to the movement making it easier to complete a rep, as well as getting control over the resistance. This exercise can be easily adapted to meet your needs with different handles.
- Beginner
- Back
- Lat Pulldown
4. Cable Row
99.8 mSCORESWAPPED 339 TIMESCable Row is a compound movement that primarily targets your back, but also hits your shoulders and biceps. This exercise is often done with a specific cable machine that sets you into the perfect position, but you can also use an adjustable cable to have more control over the direction your resistance is coming from. This is a great exercise for building muscle mass and strength in your back, and is a common addition to most upper body or pull workouts.
5. Dumbbell Bent Over Row
94.4 mSCORESWAPPED 339 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Row is a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits biceps. The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for any discrepancies in strength between sides, as well as adds more instability to the movement compared to equipment like barbells. This can be a great addition to any back workout for building muscle mass and strength.
6. Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
81.9 mSCORESWAPPED 221 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for strength discrepancies between sides. Leaning forward during the exercise allows for better isolation of the targeted shoulder muscles while also recruiting some muscle activation in the upper back.
7. TRX Swimmer Pull
22.4 mSCORESWAPPED 195 TIMESThis exercise is an isolation, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets your back. By keeping your arms straight as you pull yourself up, you can help to isolate your back. By using TRX straps, you can feel your resistance decrease as you get closer to the top. Because the weight for this exercise is caused by you leaning backwards on the straps, you can easily adjust how much resistance you feel by moving closer or further from your anchor point, even in the middle of your set.
8. Bird Dog Rows
69.2 mSCORESWAPPED 166 TIMESBird Dog Rows are a compound movement that primarily targets the back, core, and glutes. This exercise combines a row with a Bird Dog position, adding significant instability that requires strong core activation. It's particularly useful for improving balance, overall stability, and addressing strength imbalances between sides. This is an effective addition for those looking to enhance functional strength and coordination.
9. Gorilla Rows
80.1 mSCORESWAPPED 163 TIMESGorilla Rows are a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders, biceps, and traps. By alternating sides after each rep, you give your muscles a brief moment to recover in the middle of your set, while also allowing you to focus your attention on the side that’s performing the movement. The posture this exercise puts you in can help you develop functional strength outside of just the rowing movement as well.
- Intermediate
- Back
- Kettlebells
10. Machine Row
95.6 mSCORESWAPPED 150 TIMESLike other row variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets your back. Unlike other variations, using a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds a ton of stability to the movement. This is excellent exercise for learning or practicing the movement of a seated row.
- Beginner
- Back
- Row Machine