Similar to pull-ups, the only equipment that chin-ups require is a bar that will support your weight. The wider your hands are the more the edges of your back are worked, allowing you to adjust your workout to fit what you are working to improve. One of the main differences between pull-ups and chin-ups is your ability to change the width of your grip to adjust your workout. Through consistently and correctly done pull-ups, the size of these muscles will increase and overall fitness will improve. Slowly lower yourself back down until your arms are fully extended, but not locked.Ĭorrectly executed pull-ups exercise the lats and biceps.Don't tense your head or neck to try and get your chin above the bar, and make sure not to swing or rock back and forth. Raise yourself slowly until your chin is just above the bar.Hold onto the pull-up bar with your arms fully extended, but not locked, and palms facing away from you.There are three basic steps to completing a pull-up.

The technique to do a pull-up is simple but critical to do correctly. This is fantastic for newer trainers, as it allows you to jump right into working out without a big initial cost, but eventually, once you want to improve your setup, you can purchase a high-quality pull-up bar. The only piece of equipment that pull-ups require is a horizontal bar that can support your weight. For those who are new to working out, understanding the technique and benefits of these two exercises is critical.

The point remains, however, that pull-ups and chin-ups are both extremely effective in improving fitness and strength and also can be done with essentially zero equipment.

Thousands of years ago, cavemen hoisted themselves above tree branches to prepare for the hunt ancient Egyptians repeatedly lifted themselves onto massive blocks of stone to train to build massive structures medieval Britons raised themselves above their battlements in order to be ready to fend off invaders from their castles (perhaps I should have paid more attention in history class). Pull-ups and chin-ups are some of the most fundamental exercises in a trainer's tool kit.

Wide pull ups muscles involved