Primary Muscles
Lats
Equipment
body only
Level
beginner
Force
pull
Secondary Muscles
Biceps
Forearms
Middle Back
Form Diagram
Start and end positions for Chin-Up
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing your torso and a grip closer than the shoulder width.
- 2As 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. Tip: Keeping the torso as straight as possible maximizes biceps stimulation while minimizing back involvement.
- 3As 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. Tip: The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work other than hold the bar.
- 4After 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.
- 5Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Safety note: This exercise information is for educational purposes only. Always warm up properly, use appropriate weight for your fitness level, and consult a qualified trainer or healthcare provider if you have any injuries or medical conditions.
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