Pull · Calisthenics
Pull-Up - The complete guide
The pull-up is king of all pulling exercises. It builds a wide back, strong biceps and a solid grip. Here's the complete technical guide to the perfect pull-up.
How to perform it
- 1Grip the bar overhand, about shoulder-width apart
- 2Hang in a full dead hang with straight arms and engaged shoulder blades
- 3Pull the shoulder blades down and back (scapular retraction)
- 4Pull up until your chin clears the bar
- 5Lower back to a full hang under control - 2-3 seconds
Common mistakes
⚠️ Using kipping/swinging momentum
⚠️ No full range of motion at the bottom
⚠️ Shoulders hanging passively
⚠️ Too wide a grip increases shoulder strain
Progression - the path to mastering it
1. Dead hang 30s
2. Scapular pull-up 10 reps
3. Negative pull-up 5×3s
4. Band-assisted pull-up
5. Strict pull-up
FAQ
How many pull-ups should I be able to do?
5 strict is a solid beginner goal, 15+ intermediate, 20+ advanced.
Chin-up vs pull-up?
Chin-up (underhand grip) is easier - more biceps involvement. Pull-up hits the back wider.
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