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StrengthbeginnerBodyweight

Pullups

Primary
Lats
Secondary
Biceps, Middle Back
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
beginner

Pullups demonstration

Pullups, starting position
Pullups, starting position
Pullups, finishing position
Pullups, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing forward using the prescribed grip. Note on grips: For a wide grip, your hands need to be spaced out at a distance wider than your shoulder width. For a medium grip, your hands need to be spaced out at a distance equal to your shoulder width and for a close grip at a distance smaller than your shoulder width.
  2. 2As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at the chosen grip width, bring 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.
  3. 3Pull 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.
  4. 4After 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.
  5. 5Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

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
  • •This is a great exercise for beginners - focus on form over reps
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
LatsBicepsMiddle Back

Exercise Details

Category
Strength
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
beginner

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Pullups work?

Pullups primarily targets the Lats. It also works the Biceps, Middle Back as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Pullups?

Pullups requires Bodyweight.

Is Pullups suitable for beginners?

Yes, Pullups is suitable for beginners. It's classified as a beginner-level exercise.

Alternatives to Pullups

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