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Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts With Trx

About

The TRX system, also known as Total Resistance Exercise, uses suspension training equipment to provide effective resistance through bodyweight exercises.

This versatile tool offers adjustable bands that facilitate a variety of exercises, accommodating different difficulty levels.

Beginner workouts focus on accessible movements with reduced risk of injury, incorporating slightly decreased resistance to promote learning yet providing a fulfilling challenge.

The upper body comprises multiple muscles, including the chest, back, shoulders, and arms, which can be strengthened using compound movements like rows and presses, alongside isolation exercises to target specific areas.

This approach caters to individuals with less than one year of fitness experience while remaining adaptable for everyone.

The 15 Best Beginner Upper Body Exercises with TRX

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. TRX Chest Fly

    TRX Chest Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    135,338
    Chest Strength
    65 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Chest Fly is a bodyweight exercise that helps strengthen the chest muscles while maintaining balance and stability. It allows you to easily adjust resistance by changing your body angle, making it great for beginners aiming to improve their chest strength.

    How to do it

    1. Hold the TRX handles at waist level, facing away from the anchor point.
    2. Brace your core and keep your body straight from head to heels.
    3. Lean forward until your heels come off the ground, arms extended in front of you with palms facing each other.
    4. Slowly move your arms outward to lower your chest towards the floor.
    5. When your hands reach shoulder height, exhale and return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 2. TRX Chest Press

    TRX Chest Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    141,840
    Chest Strength
    54 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Chest Press is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Using TRX straps makes the exercise more challenging as you can adjust the difficulty by changing your body angle.

    How to do it

    1. Grab TRX handles at waist level, facing away from the anchor point.
    2. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
    3. Lean forward until your body is horizontal, keeping your arms stretched in front of you.
    4. Lower your chest between your hands, keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Push back to the starting position while exhaling.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 3. TRX Row

    TRX Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    439,300
    Back Strength
    45 mScore
    Back
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Row is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back. It uses a TRX strap to create instability and allows you to adjust resistance by moving your feet closer or farther from the anchor point.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold the TRX handles with palms facing each other, just below your chest.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles and keeping a straight line from heels to shoulders.
    3. Lean back slightly and extend your arms until they are straight, keeping your chest up and shoulders back.
    4. Pull your body back to the starting position by bending your elbows, maintaining a straight alignment.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 4. TRX T Deltoid Fly

    TRX T Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    102,507
    Shoulders Strength
    50 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX T Deltoid Fly targets the deltoid muscles, especially those in the shoulders, helping to enhance shoulder stability and flexibility. This exercise supports better shoulder health and may improve posture compared to regular shoulder exercises.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing the TRX anchor with the straps extended.
    2. Grab the handles with palms facing in and arms straight.
    3. Step forward until your body is horizontal under the handles with feet shoulder-width apart.
    4. Engage your core to keep your back straight from heels to shoulders.
    5. With a slight bend in your elbows, move your arms out to the sides in a smooth upward arc until they are level with your shoulders.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 5. TRX Bicep Curl

    TRX Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    249,057
    Biceps Strength
    63 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Bicep Curl is a bodyweight exercise that focuses on strengthening the biceps. Using TRX straps helps ensure balanced strength in both arms and allows you to adjust resistance easily.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing the TRX anchor with the straps extended.
    2. Hold the handles with palms up and arms straight, stepping backward to align your body where you feel comfortable.
    3. Engage your core and keep a straight line from heels to shoulders.
    4. Bend your elbows, bringing the handles towards your forehead, keeping elbows in front of your shoulders.
    5. Once your forearms touch your biceps, straighten your arms back to the start position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 6. TRX Atomic Push Up

    TRX Atomic Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    73,754
    Chest Strength
    38 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Atomic Push Up is a combined exercise that works your chest, shoulders, core, and legs. It helps build strength, stability, and fitness, but is best suited for more experienced individuals.

    How to do it

    1. Start on your hands and knees with your feet under the TRX anchor point.
    2. Put your feet into the TRX handle straps, which should be about 1-2 feet above the floor.
    3. Engage your core and align your body from heels to shoulders.
    4. Lower your chest to the floor by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle until just above the floor.
    5. Push back up and bring your knees towards your chest, then return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 7. TRX Push Up

    TRX Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    64,734
    Chest Strength
    41 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Push Up is a variation of the traditional push-up that uses TRX straps. It strengthens your chest, shoulders, and core by engaging more muscles as you perform the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the TRX straps to an appropriate height.
    2. Stand facing away from the anchor point and hold the handles with your arms extended under your shoulders.
    3. Place your feet in the TRX loops and lift your hips, forming a straight line from your shoulders to your heels.
    4. Keep your body straight as you bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the floor at a 45-degree angle with your arms.
    5. Push back up to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 8. TRX W Deltoid Fly

    TRX W Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    78,692
    Shoulders Strength
    56 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX W Deltoid Fly strengthens the back of your shoulders and helps improve posture. This exercise focuses on controlled movements to enhance shoulder health and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing the TRX and grab the handles at shoulder height with your arms straight and palms together.
    2. Lean back slightly while keeping your body straight.
    3. Pull your chest towards the TRX by moving your arms apart and bending your elbows to form a 'W' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 9. TRX Y Deltoid Fly

    TRX Y Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    69,436
    Shoulders Strength
    66 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Y Deltoid Fly targets the back of your shoulders and upper back to improve shoulder stability and posture. This exercise helps strengthen your upper body with a unique movement that benefits shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the TRX handles at shoulder height with your arms extended and palms together.
    2. Lean back slightly while keeping your arms straight.
    3. Pull your chest toward the TRX anchor, lifting your arms to form a 'Y' shape.
    4. Return to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 10. TRX Clock Pull

    TRX Clock Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    100,262
    Back Strength
    76 mScore
    Back
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Clock Pull is a resistance exercise using a TRX strap that helps strengthen your back by engaging both sides of your body. You will lean back while pulling with one arm to target each side individually, allowing you to adjust the difficulty easily.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing the TRX with your arms extended in front of you, holding the handles.
    2. Lean back, keeping your body straight as you pull your chest toward the anchor.
    3. Pull with your right arm to the right (3 o'clock), then return to the start position.
    4. Next, pull with your left arm down (6 o'clock) and then up (12 o'clock).
    5. Switch sides and repeat the sequence.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 11. TRX Swimmer Pull

    TRX Swimmer Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    140,297
    Back Strength
    63 mScore
    Back
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Swimmer Pull is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back by using TRX straps. You adjust the resistance by leaning back, making it beginner-friendly as you can modify how hard you pull.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright with the TRX handles in your hands, arms extended to the sides.
    2. Lean back while keeping your arms straight until the handles reach shoulder height.
    3. Pull yourself back to the starting position and repeat as instructed.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 12. TRX Hip Throw

    TRX Hip Throw demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    84,319
    Back Strength
    61 mScore
    Back
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Hip Throw is an exercise that strengthens your core and obliques by rotating your body. It's great for building core power and improving your rotational strength, helpful for athletes and anyone looking to enhance their fitness.

    How to do it

    1. Stand holding the TRX handles with your arms straight and lean back.
    2. Bend your left elbow and bring your left fist across your body to your right shoulder while twisting your torso to the right.
    3. Return to the starting position and switch sides, repeating the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 13. TRX Power Pull

    TRX Power Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    102,702
    Back Strength
    67 mScore
    Back
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Power Pull is a bodyweight exercise that mainly strengthens your back while challenging your balance. You use one hand to hold a strap, which helps identify any differences in strength on each side of your body. You can adjust the difficulty by changing your distance from the anchor point.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright and hold the TRX handle with your right hand, arm bent in front of your shoulder.
    2. Lean back while keeping your body straight and extend your right arm out, rotating your torso to reach your left arm behind you.
    3. Pull yourself back to start by bending your right elbow. Repeat the exercise on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 14. TRX Hammer Pull

    TRX Hammer Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    36,609
    Shoulders Strength
    87 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Hammer Pull is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your shoulders using TRX straps. By adjusting your distance from the anchor point, you can control how hard the exercise is. This move also helps improve strength balance by working one arm at a time.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight holding the TRX handles with bent elbows in front of your chest.
    2. Lean back, extending your arms while keeping your elbows close to your body.
    3. Pull your chest towards the TRX anchor, sliding your right elbow past your torso and extending your left arm at shoulder height.
    4. Switch sides and repeat the movement with your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 15. TRX Tricep Extension

    TRX Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    171,055
    Triceps Strength
    39 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Tricep Extension is a bodyweight exercise using a TRX suspension system to strengthen the triceps while also improving core stability and balance. It's adaptable for all fitness levels, making it a great way to enhance muscle tone and endurance.

    How to do it

    1. Hold the TRX handles at waist level, facing away from the anchor point.
    2. Engage your core by breathing into your stomach and tightening your abdominal muscles.
    3. Lean forward, lifting your heels off the ground to create a 60-degree angle with the floor, with your arms extended in front of you.
    4. Keep your arms slightly bent and raise your shoulders to lower your body to a 45-degree angle with the floor.
    5. Exhale through pursed lips while returning to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps

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