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    Pull · Calisthenics

    Typewriter Pull-Up - The complete guide

    The typewriter pull-up is an advanced unilateral variation where you hold your chin over the bar and move side to side - almost like a typewriter carriage shifting lines.

    How to perform it

    1. 1Take a wide overhand grip, wider than shoulder width
    2. 2Pull up until your chin is over the bar
    3. 3Shift your weight toward one hand and extend the opposite arm fully out to the side
    4. 4Move horizontally across to the extended arm while your chin stays over the bar
    5. 5Reverse direction and move to the other side

    Common mistakes

    ⚠️ Chin drops below the bar mid-movement
    ⚠️ Using hip swing instead of controlled upper-body strength
    ⚠️ Attempting it before you can do 10+ strict pull-ups

    Progression - the path to mastering it

    1. 10+ strict pull-ups
    2. Archer pull-ups on both sides
    3. Half typewriter (short side shift)
    4. Full typewriter side to side
    5. Typewriter with a pause in the middle

    FAQ

    What strength should I have first?

    At least 10 strict pull-ups and solid archer pull-ups on both sides - typewriters demand significantly more one-sided strength than a regular pull-up.

    Why does my chin drop below the bar?

    Usually a lack of lat strength to hold the position isometrically while moving sideways - build it up with longer held archer pull-ups first.

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