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Pull-Up

Targets Lats, Biceps.

advancedBodyweightStrength

Overview

The Pull-Up is a advanced-level strength exercise that targets lats, biceps and supports back, core.

  • One of the best upper-body pulling exercises for back width and strength.
  • Builds grip strength and biceps with zero equipment beyond a bar.

Muscles Worked

Primarylatsbiceps
Secondarybackcore

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width with palms facing away.

  2. 2

    Hang with straight arms, shoulders engaged and core braced.

  3. 3

    Pull your chest toward the bar by driving your elbows down and back.

  4. 4

    Lower yourself under control until your arms are fully extended.

Tips for perfect form

  • Can’t do a full pull-up yet? Use resistance bands or negative reps (slow lowers).
  • Pull your shoulder blades down before you start the pull.
  • Avoid swinging — keep the movement strict and controlled.

Common Mistakes

  • Kipping or swinging to generate momentum.
  • Stopping halfway down and losing the full range of motion.

Safety Tips

  • Warm up before starting and stop immediately if you feel sharp pain.

Beginner Modification

Use a resistance band or an assisted pull-up machine, or perform slow negatives — jump up and lower for 5 seconds.

How to Progress

  1. 1.Work toward 10 clean reps before adding any load.
  2. 2.Add a small weight or pause at the top of each rep.

Variations

Chin-UpAssisted Pull-Up

Recommended Sets & Reps

LevelSetsRepsRest
advanced4-55-82-3 min

General guidance — adjust based on your experience and goals.

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