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StrengthexpertOther

One Arm Chin-Up

Primary
Middle Back
Secondary
Biceps, Forearms, Lats
Equipment
Other
Level
expert

One Arm Chin-Up demonstration

One Arm Chin-Up, starting position
One Arm Chin-Up, starting position
One Arm Chin-Up, finishing position
One Arm Chin-Up, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1For this exercise, start out by placing a towel around a chin up bar.
  2. 2Grab the chin-up bar with your palm facing you. One hand will be grabbing the chin-up bar and the other will be grabbing the towel.
  3. 3Bring your torso back around 30 degrees or so while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position.v
  4. 4Pull your torso up until the bar touches your upper chest by drawing the shoulders and the upper arms down and back. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. 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.
  5. 5After a second on the contracted position, start to inhale and slowly lower your torso back to the starting position when your arms are fully extended and the lats are fully stretched.
  6. 6Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
  7. 7Switch arms and repeat the movement.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Middle BackBicepsForearmsLats

Exercise Details

Category
Strength
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
expert

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does One Arm Chin-Up work?

One Arm Chin-Up primarily targets the Middle Back. It also works the Biceps, Forearms, Lats as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for One Arm Chin-Up?

One Arm Chin-Up requires Other.

Is One Arm Chin-Up suitable for beginners?

One Arm Chin-Up is classified as expert level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to One Arm Chin-Up

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.