All exercises
Pull-up
The best bodyweight back exercise. Use a band or the lat pulldown to build up to it.
- Starting point
- Muscles worked
- Lats, Upper back, Biceps
- Equipment
- Pull-up bar
How to do it
- 1
Hang from the bar with an overhand grip a little wider than your shoulders.
- 2
Pull your shoulders down away from your ears.
- 3
Pull your chest towards the bar, driving your elbows down.
- 4
Get your chin over the bar, then lower all the way to a dead hang.
What to think about
- “Elbows to your back pockets”
- “Chest to the bar”
- “Full hang every rep”
Common mistakes
- Kipping or swinging
- Half reps
- Craning the neck to clear the bar