Discover the best pull-up exercises to strengthen your back, arms, and core. From beginner to advanced variations, find the perfect routine to elevate your fitness.
21 EXERCISES FOUND
Pull-Up
Steps : 1.) Grab the bar with an overhand grip 2.) Lift your self up till your chin is above the bar. 3.) Pause for a few seconds. 4.) Lower yourself down slowly. 5.) Repeat for the desired amount of reps. Tips : 1.) For an increased workout, wear ankle weights or a weighted vest.
Hanging Leg Raise
The Hanging Leg Raise is a core exercise that targets the abdominal muscles, particularly the lower abs, and also engages the hip flexors, grip, and shoulders. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform the exercise correctly: Starting Position: Find a pull-up bar or a secure overhead bar that can support your weight. Grip the bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Let your body hang freely with your arms fully extended and legs straight. Keep your core engaged to avoid swinging. Execution: Tighten your core muscles before you start the movement. Keeping your legs straight, lift them up towards your torso. Aim to bring your feet as high as possible, ideally reaching the level of the bar or higher if your flexibility allows. Exhale as you lift your legs up. Top Position: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring that your core is fully engaged and your legs are controlled. Your body should form an L-shape if you can lift your legs to a 90-degree angle with your torso. Lowering Phase: Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Avoid swinging or using momentum. Inhale as you lower your legs.
Chin-Up
The Chin-Up exercise is one of the most basic and best exercises for building strength in the back and arms. Steps : 1.) Start off by grabbing the bar with an underhand grip, letting your body hang from the bar and keeping your arms straight as this will be your starting position. 2.) Once in position, slowly pull yourself up so that your chin is higher than the bar, squeezing your back muscles and lats and hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired. Tips : 1.) Your legs should stay in line with your torso throughout this exercise.
Weighted Pull-Up
Steps : 1.) Start by positioning yourself in front of a pull-up bar with a weight attached to a dip belt that is secured around your waist. 2.) Grab the pull-up bar with an overhand grip and slowly pull yourself up squeezing your back muscles. 3.) Hold this position for a count then return back to the start. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Hanging Knee Raise
Steps : 1.) Start off by grabbing onto a hanging grip or pull up bar, with a comfortable distance between your hands and a strong grip. 2.) Then slowly lift your knees in towards your chest until you feel tension on your lower abs. 3.) Hold this position for a few seconds then return back to the starting position and repeat for the desired reps and sets.
Pull-Up (Hammer Grip)
Steps : 1.) Stand in front of a assisted pull-up machine and grab the hammer grip section of the bar. 2.) Lift your feet up off of the floor and pull up slowly, squeezing your lats until your shoulders are level with your head. 3.) Hold this position for a count then return back to the starting position. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Weighted Hanging Knee Raise
Steps : 1.) Start by standing in front of a pull up bar with a dumbbell in between your legs. 2.) Grab the pull up bar and lift your body up off of the floor with the dumbbell pressed between your feet so that it is secure for your motion up. 3.) Slowly raise your knees upward so that they head towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your abs. 4.) Hold this position for a count then return back to the start. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
One-Arm Hang
Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off with one hand grabbing onto a pull-up bar with your palms facing outwards. 2.) Keep your feet flat on the floor and put all of the weight upon your hand holding for 15 seconds. 3.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.
Chin-Up (Close Grip)
Steps : 1.) Start by standing in front of a pull-up bar and grabbing it with an overhand grip, keeping your hands about a foot apart. 2.) Lift your body off of the floor so that your feet are elevate off of the ground and slowly pull yourself up so that your chin is above the bar. 3.) Squeeze with your lats and hold for a count. 4.) Return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Rear Pull-Up (Wide Grip)
Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing a pull-up bar with an overhand grip. 2.) Position each hand about a foot away from your head. 3.) Lift yourself up until the back of neck is behind the pull-up bar. 4.) Exhale as you lift yourself up and inhale as you lower your body. 5.) Slowly let your self back down to the starting position. 6.) Repeat for the desired amount of reps.
Hanging Knee Raise Rotation
Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing onto a hanging grip or pull up bar, with a comfortable distance between your hands and a strong grip. 2.) Then slowly lift your knees in towards your chest in a diagonal direction rotating your legs from side to side until you feel tension on your lower abs. 3.) Hold this position for a few seconds then return back to the starting position and repeat for the desired reps and sets.
Hanging Pike
The hanging pike is a challenging and effective ab exercise that targets the rectus abdominis (the "six-pack" muscles) along with the hip flexors and obliques. Here’s how to perform it correctly: Start Position Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip (palms facing away from you). Your arms should be fully extended and your legs hanging straight down. Engage your core and keep your body stable. Engage Your Core Tighten your core muscles, pulling your navel towards your spine. Keep your legs straight and toes pointed. Raise Your Legs While keeping your legs straight, lift them up in front of you. Aim to bring your feet up towards the bar. Your body should form an “L” shape at the top of the movement with your legs perpendicular to your torso. Peak Contraction Hold the position briefly when your legs are at the highest point, fully engaging your abdominal muscles. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner, avoiding any swinging or momentum. Ensure your core remains tight and your movement is smooth.
Windshield Wipers
Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing onto a pull up bar or hanging grip and raising your body off of the floor. 2.) Lift up through your abdominals so that your back is parallel with the floor, keeping your knees bent and feet pointed forward. 3.) Once you find your balance, swing your knees to one side and feel a pull on your obliques, then return back to the center and continue to the opposite direction. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat this motion for as many reps as you are able to perform. 5.) Return back to the starting position and slowly lower yourself back to the ground to prevent a muscle pull. 6.) Repeat for as many reps and sets desired. Tips : 1.) This is an advanced oblique and abdominal exercise that requires you to strengthen your abs first so that you prevent from pulling a muscle performing this workout.
Climber Pull-Up
The climber chin-up exercise is a variation of the basic chin up and is a great workout for people who rock climb. Steps : 1.) Grasp a chin up bar with a slightly wider than shoulder width overhand grip. 2.) Keeping your body straight pull yourself up and to one side of the bar. 3.) Lower your body back down to the starting position. 4.) Raise yourself to the other side of the bar. Tips : 1.) Alternate sides while performing this exercise. 2.) Allow your body to hang down completely.
V Bar Pull-Up
The V-Bar Pull Up exercise is a more advanced version of the standard Chin Up in which the closer grip provides more development of the shoulders. Steps : 1.) Start by grasping the pull up bar with an overhand grip so that your palms are facing forward. 2.) Once you have a hold of the bar, let your body hang keeping your arms straight, as this will be your starting position. 3.) Then slowly pull yourself up so that your chin is higher than the bar and once in the top position hold for a count. 4.) Using a controlled motion, lower yourself back down to the starting position. Tips : 1.) Keep your legs in line with your torso throughout the entire exercise.
Gironda Sternum Pull-Up
The Gironda sternum chin-up exercise is a variation of the basic chin up that focus more upon the lats and lower back. Steps : 1.) Start by grabbing a pull up bar with a shoulder-width, overhand grip and hang from it with your arms fully extended. This will be your starting position. 2.) Slowly pull yourself up towards the bar and lean your head as far back as possible while arching your spine. 3.) Continue pulling so that your collarbone passes the bar and you are able to touch it with your sternum and then hold this position for a count. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Hanging Knee Raise (Rotational)
Steps : 1.) Start by standing underneath a pull up bar and pull yourself up off of the ground so that you are hanging above the floor. 2.) Pull your knees up and across to one side of your body until you feel a stretch in your abs then hold for a count. 3.) Return back to the starting position and repeat in the opposite direction. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Chin-Up (Mixed Grip)
Steps : 1.) Start by standing in front of and grabbing a pull up bar with one hand facing forward palms out and the opposite facing inward palms in. 2.) Once you have a firm grip, slowly pull yourself up and squeezing on your back muscles as you reach the peak position. 3.) Make sure that you keep your elbows as close to your body as possible so you can get the best contraction on your muscles. 4.) Hold this position for a count then return back to the start. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.
Before you hit the gym, take the time to define your fitness goals. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or improve endurance, having specific objectives will guide your training and keep you focused on your workouts.
Designing a structured workout plan is essential for maximizing your time in the gym. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises to target different muscle groups and improve overall fitness levels.
Compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them highly effective for building strength and muscle mass. Prioritize compound movements in your workouts for optimal results.
To continue making progress, gradually increase the intensity, volume, or resistance of your workouts over time. Progressive overload challenges your muscles and forces them to adapt, leading to growth and strength gains with every workout.
Pay attention to how your body feels during and after workouts. Push yourself to work hard, but also know when to scale back or take a rest day if you're feeling fatigued or experiencing pain from your workouts.
Recovery is just as important as exercise itself. Make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep, fuel your body with nutritious foods, and incorporate rest days into your routine to allow your muscles time to recover and grow stronger after each workout session.
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels, regulating body temperature, and supporting overall health. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts to optimize your workout performance.
Keep your workouts interesting and challenging by incorporating a variety of exercises, equipment, and training modalities. Experiment with different workout styles, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and yoga, to keep your body engaged and avoid workout monotony.
Consistency is key to seeing results. Make exercise a regular part of your routine by scheduling workouts at the same time each day and treating them like appointments you can't miss. Consistency in your workouts will help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Keep a workout journal or use a fitness app like JEFIT to track your workouts, monitor your progress, and celebrate your achievements. Tracking your workouts helps you stay accountable and motivated, and allows you to see how far you've come on your fitness journey.
Always start your workouts with a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for exercise and reduce the risk of injury. Incorporate dynamic stretches, mobility drills, and light cardio to increase blood flow and loosen up tight muscles before starting your workouts.
Technique is crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts. Always prioritize proper form over lifting heavier weights or performing more repetitions. If you're unsure about your form, consider working with a certified personal trainer to ensure you're performing exercises correctly.
In addition to intense workouts, incorporate restorative activities like yoga, stretching, or foam rolling into your routine to improve flexibility, mobility, and recovery. These activities can help reduce muscle soreness and prevent injuries, allowing you to perform better in your next workout session.
Find ways to stay motivated and inspired on your fitness journey. Set rewards for reaching milestones, enlist the support of a workout buddy or join a fitness community, and remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Staying motivated will help you stay consistent with your workouts and achieve your fitness goals.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a strong, healthy body. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Results take time, so stay consistent, stay positive, and keep pushing forward with your workouts, knowing that your hard work will pay off in the end.
Picture yourself achieving your fitness goals and visualize the steps you need to take to get there. Visualization can help increase motivation, focus, and confidence, making it easier to stay on track and overcome obstacles in your workouts and fitness journey.