Chin-ups are one of the most challenging yet rewarding exercises in strength training. Back in 2021, Amanda could only complete 4 chin-ups (read here). With consistent training and a focus on quality, she reached 10 reps in 2022 (read here). Now, she’s hit an impressive milestone: 12 chin-ups! Male or female, this is an exceptional…
Exciting news! Just got my hands on Swissies45, and they’ve transformed my chin-up game. No more draping an EZ-Curl bar over the power cage – now it’s all about efficiency. These handles are versatile – perfect for semi-supinated or semi-pronated chin-ups, at any grip width you desire. Christmas gift idea? Look no further! Want to…
Here’s a great way to emphasize the top range during pull-ups. In the Wide-Grip Side-To-Side Pull-Up, your chin must stay above the bar as you move from one hand to the other. And don’t cheat the bottom—lower all the way down until your elbows are fully extended and your shoulders are elevated. Take a look…
Male or female, beginner or advanced, the Angles90 grips are a fantastic tool to enhance your pull-up game. These innovative handles allow for a more natural hand position, which can reduce joint strain and increase muscle activation—especially in the lats and arms. Whether you’re looking to improve grip strength, protect your shoulders, or simply change…
If you’re going to do pull-ups, do them right! Instead of grinding out 3–4 sets of 10 “ugly” reps, flip the script: do 10 sets of 3–4 quality reps. You’ll get a better training response with far less risk of injury. If you struggle to complete even a few solid reps, focus on the eccentric…
A great exercise to pair with incline or standing presses is the subscapularis pull-up—also known as a lean-away pull-up. To perform it, pull yourself up to the bar, then push your body away from the bar as you lower down. Keep your core braced and control the descent all the way to the bottom. Give…
The Angles90 grips are a great tool to add variety and reduce joint stress during pull-ups. One challenge, however, is that their lower starting position can cause the plates from a chin/dip belt to hit the floor at the bottom of the movement. If that’s the case, switch to a weighted vest like the Xvest…
Pull-ups are one of the toughest exercises for most people — especially females. In fact, the average number of pull-ups a female can do is zero. The two biggest culprits? Lack of strength and poor body composition. But perhaps the most powerful obstacle of all is perception. If a woman believes she can’t do a…
When Jessica first came to me, she couldn’t do a single chin-up — let alone a pull-up. Fast forward to today, and that’s no longer the case! With the right progressions, smart programming, and consistent effort, Jessica went from zero to hero on the pull-up bar. Check out her impressive transformation and learn exactly how…
For years we’ve been told to avoid behind-the-neck pulldowns and pull-ups. They place tremendous stress on the shoulders when lifting a heavy load with the humeri abducted and in a position of maximum external rotation. It’s a problem waiting to happen. Furthermore, it’s not a natural movement. We’re not really meant to pull things behind…