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Exercise library · Lats

How to Do Chin-Up

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the chin-up.

Chin-Up animated demonstration from start to end position
Main musclesLats
Also worksBiceps, Forearms, Upper & Mid Back
EquipmentBody Only
LevelBeginner
TypeStrength

How to do it

  1. Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing your torso and a grip closer than the shoulder width.
  2. As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at the chosen grip width, keep your torso as straight as possible while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position. Tip: Keeping the torso as straight as possible maximizes biceps stimulation while minimizing back involvement.
  3. As you breathe out, pull your torso up until your head is around the level of the pull-up bar. Concentrate on using the biceps muscles in order to perform the movement. Keep the elbows close to your body. Tip: The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work other than hold the bar.
  4. After a second of squeezing the biceps in the contracted position, slowly lower your torso back to the starting position; when your arms are fully extended. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement.
  5. Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Form tips

Workouts with this exercise

Bodyweight Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · BodyweightDumbbell Back Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · DumbbellKettlebell Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · KettlebellKettlebell Back Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · KettlebellResistance Band Back Workout for Beginners5 exercises · about 31 min · Resistance BandBodyweight Upper Body Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · BodyweightKettlebell Upper Body Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · KettlebellResistance Band Upper Body Workout for Intermediate6 exercises · about 47 min · Resistance Band

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Side-Lying Floor Stretch animated demonstration
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Gear for this exercise

Exercise matExercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barDoorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.

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