Pull-Up Emphasis

A pull-up is a compound pull exercise that works a large number of muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms including the lats, lower trapezius, posterior deltoids, and biceps.

pullup

Starting Position

Grip the bar with a firm overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about shoulder-width apart. Keep your arms straight as you hang from the bar and your neck neutral.

 

Movement

  • Start by depressing the scapulae first and keep the shoulders down as you pull yourself upward towards the bar.
  • Your chest should nearly touch the bar and your chin is over the bar.
  • Do not overextend your cervical spine in an attempt to get your chin over the bar.
  • Let yourself down in a controlled and even manner.

Scap Depression1

Scap Depression2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Tips

  • Keep your body straight without arching or swinging.

    Don’t cross ankles during a pull-up.

  • You can either bend your knees and keep ankles together or keep your legs straight so long as your feet don’t touch the floor.
  • Crossing ankles is a compensation pattern of poor core control. Try not to cross them!

Warning Tips

  • Fully extend your elbows in the extended position. Failure to do so can result in injury to your elbows.
  • You must stay in control at all times during this movement. The faster you perform this movement, the less control you will have, which in turn will increase your risk of injury. Lower your body at a controlled pace.
  • Do not elevate your shoulders while pulling up. This will engage the upper traps, rhomboids and levator scapulae more than necessary, detracting from the working muscles that perform the optimal pull-up.

NFPT Publisher Michele G Rogers, MA, NFPT-CPT and EBFA Barefoot Training Specialist manages and coordinates educational blogs and social media content for NFPT, as well as NFPT exam development. She’s been a personal trainer and health coach for over 20 years fueled by a lifetime passion for all things health and fitness. Her mission is to raise kinesthetic awareness and nurture a mind-body connection, helping people achieve a higher state of health and wellness. After battling and conquering chronic back pain and becoming a parent, Michele aims her training approach to emphasize fluidity of movement, corrective exercise, and pain resolution. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Health Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Follow Michele on Instagram.