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Pull-Up

Also written as Pull ups, Weighted or assisted pull ups, Pull ups, weighted if possible, Pull ups, bodyweight

What it trains

lats

Also: biceps brachii, mid-trapezius, rhomboids, core

Equipment

pull-up bar, belt or dumbbell for loading, bands or machine for assistance

Setup

  • Take an overhand grip a little wider than shoulder width.
  • Hang with the arms straight and the shoulders pulled down out of the ears.
  • If loading the movement, hang a dumbbell from a belt or pinch it between the feet.

Execution

  1. 1.Pull the shoulder blades down and back, then drive the elbows toward the ribs.
  2. 2.Continue until the chin clears the bar.
  3. 3.Lower under control to a full hang before the next rep.

Breathing

Exhale as you pull, inhale on the way down.

Form cues

  • Start the pull with the shoulder blades, not the arms.
  • Drive the elbows down toward the pockets.
  • Full hang at the bottom of every rep.

Common mistakes

  • Kipping when the set is meant to be strict.
  • Stopping short of a full hang and shortening the range.
  • Shrugging the shoulders up at the bottom.

Scaling & substitution

  • The program explicitly permits assistance — a band or assisted machine keeps the prescribed rep count intact.

Technique written to align with

  • NSCA — Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning

Instructions and diagrams on this page are original to QuantumWorkout.