Tutorial - Pullups and Chinups

Hey everyone,

Pullups and chinups are another classic bodyweight exercise.  They do require equipment - at a minimum a horizontal bar (at sufficient height) which can support your bodyweight.  There are many different 'doorway' chinup bars available for home use.  Alternatively, you can find this equipment at a gym or even in a playground (e.g. monkey bars).  Regardless of where you do pullups or chinpus, this exercise will provide an excellent challenge for your back muscles (particularly your lats).

There are many variations of pullups and chinups, often differentiated by your grip position.  You can make the movement easier by assisting yourself (e.g. using a chair and pushing up slightly with your legs to complete the exercise).  You should only assist yourself as much as necessary, so that you can progress and eventually graduate to doing full bodyweight reps.  Then, as you progress and can complete over 10 reps in a row, you can consider attaching additional weight.

Pullups and chinups are an excellent strength and muscle-building exercise, which should be a part of every intermediate and advanced workout routine.  Even though they are definitely challenging, they should also be part of beginner workout routines, to build strength and muscle (even a single rep is an accomplishment).  Give them a try, work on them over time and you'll be amazed at the results!

- Tannys & Alex