Pull · Calisthenics
One Arm Pull-Up - The complete guide
The one arm pull-up is one of calisthenics' most respected strength feats - pulling your entire bodyweight up with a single arm takes years of dedicated pulling and grip strength work.
How to perform it
- 1Hang from one arm in an overhand grip, the other hand lightly holding the wrist for stability
- 2Engage the shoulder blade by pulling it down and back before starting the pull
- 3Pull yourself up with a slight rotating motion through the torso, not straight vertical
- 4Bring your chest to the hand, not just the chin
- 5Lower yourself under control - the eccentric phase matters as much as the pull
Common mistakes
⚠️ Attempting it without a solid foundation of archer pull-ups and assisted one-arm work
⚠️ Pulling perfectly vertical instead of allowing the natural rotation through the torso
⚠️ Skipping eccentric training, which usually comes first
Progression - the path to mastering it
1. 15+ strict pull-ups
2. Archer pull-up with a nearly straight passive arm
3. Band-assisted one arm pull-up
4. One arm negative (5-8 seconds down)
5. Full one arm pull-up
FAQ
How many regular pull-ups should I have first?
Most people who achieve a one arm pull-up can do 15-20+ strict regular pull-ups as a base, plus solid archer variations.
How long does it take to learn?
Realistically 1-3 years of dedicated, consistent training for most people - it's one of the hardest calisthenics skills there is.
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