Upper Body

Pull-ups: The King of Back Exercises

Quick Answer: Pull-ups are a compound pulling exercise that builds back, bicep, and grip strength. They're one of the best exercises for developing a strong, V-shaped back and overall upper body pulling power.

Difficulty
Intermediate
Calories/Min
8-12
Equipment
Pull-up bar
Muscles
Latissimus Dorsi, Biceps

Master Pull-ups: From Beginner to Advanced

1

Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing your torso and a grip closer than the shoulder width.

2

As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at the chosen grip width, keep your torso as straight as possible while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position.

3

As you breathe out, pull your torso up until your head is around the level of the pull-up bar. Concentrate on using the biceps muscles in order to perform the movement. Keep the elbows close to your body.

4

After a second of squeezing the biceps in the contracted position, slowly lower your torso back to the starting position; when your arms are fully extended. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement.

5

Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Exercise Form

Pull-ups form - step 1
1
Pull-ups form - step 2
2

Benefits of Pull-ups

  • ✓Builds a strong, defined back
  • ✓Develops functional pulling strength
  • ✓Improves grip strength
  • ✓Creates better posture
  • ✓Highly efficient compound movement

Pro Tips

  • 💡Use resistance bands for assisted pull-ups
  • 💡Practice dead hangs to build grip strength
  • 💡Focus on pulling with your elbows, not hands
  • 💡Track your pull-up progress in Move

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Using momentum to swing up
✗Not going to full extension at bottom
✗Shrugging shoulders instead of engaging lats
✗Rushing through reps

Pull-ups Variations

Chin-ups (palms facing you)
Band-assisted pull-ups
Negative pull-ups (slow descent)
Wide-grip pull-ups
Weighted pull-ups

Track Your Pull-ups with Move

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Muscles Worked