How to Do Chin-Up
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the chin-up.

| Main muscles | Lats |
| Also works | Biceps, Forearms, Upper & Mid Back |
| Equipment | Body Only |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing your torso and a grip closer than the shoulder width.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat this motion for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
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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