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Pull-up

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Intermediatepull
👆 Tutorial by CalisthenicmovementWatch on YouTube

Home Setup

Use a doorway pull-up bar or sturdy overhead beam

Doorway pull-up barResistance bands for assistanceSturdy tree branch

💡 Pro tip: Use a chair or resistance band for assistance when starting out

Gym Setup

Pull-up bar or assisted pull-up machine

Safety: Ensure bar is secure, use full grip, avoid swinging

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Dead Hang

pull-up bar

Builds grip strength and shoulder stability

2. Negative Pull-up

pull-up bar

Focus on eccentric lowering phase

3. Band-Assisted Pull-up

pull-up bar + resistance bands

Reduces bodyweight load with band support

4. Inverted Row

barbell + rack

Horizontal pull with adjustable difficulty

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. Weighted Pull-up

pull-up bar + weight belt + dumbbell

Add external load for strength gains

2. Chest-to-Bar Pull-up

pull-up bar

Increased range of motion

3. L-Sit Pull-up

pull-up bar

Adds core engagement and difficulty

4. One-Arm Pull-up

pull-up bar

Maximum unilateral strength challenge

↕️ Similar Movements

Chin-up
Supinated grip variation, more bicep emphasis
Lat Pulldown
Same vertical pull pattern with adjustable weight
Inverted Row
Horizontal pull targeting similar muscles
Face Pull
Upper back and rear delt focus
Bicep Curl
Isolation for assisting muscles

Form Checklist

Full grip with thumbs around bar
Shoulders down and back
Pull elbows to ribs
Chin over bar at top
Control descent

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or kipping
  • Partial range of motion
  • Shoulders shrugging up
  • Not engaging lats
  • Swinging legs

📈 When to Progress

When you can do 10 strict pull-ups with full range of motion for 3 sets