Pull-Up Variations

[pkafka]

I love pull-ups, but have been looking for ways to mix up my routine. How do people make their pull-up workouts more interesting... I guess dynamic would be a good word. I know pull-ups are dynamic... how can I dynamify my pull-up workout?!

Thanks

-pk

[livinghealthy]

As many as I can, for however many sets I can is always a challenge... but if you are looking to mix it up... try these: ... At the gym I use towels... they make my forearms pumped!

[iluvthors]

I don't do too many pullups! But I am working on it. I must say though, when I see a guy doing massive amounts of PROPER pullups, I am often quite impressed. So keep at it guys :)

[chadwick]

Here are 19 pull-up variations. The video is concentrated on Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, which means they will kick your ass!


My favorites from the video:

Triangle pull-ups: hard, but they work!

Towel-grip like livinghealthy mentioned!

I want to try the crunched pull-ups and the heavy-bag eventually.

[Get Primal]

I only do one style of pullups (kipping) but do a lot of them. If you were going to limit yourself to 5 exercises for eternity pullups would definitely be one of them. A fun workout is called "death by pullup" or Pullup Minutes. You start the clock and do 1 pullup. At the start of each minute you do one more pullup. Workout ends when you can't complete the prescribed number within that minute. Anyone interested in more workouts can see my log at www.getprimal.blogspot.com.

Good luck!

[chadwick]

Get Primal -- what are your other 4 exercises for eternity?

[pkafka]

The triangle pull-ups are penciled in for this afternoon... thanks Chadwick.

Get Primal - how many pullups do you end up doing during your routine? sounds perfect... I like a good challenge. Also, do you do pull-ups everyday? How often do you go at 'em?

Thanks.

-pk

[Get Primal]

Wow, that's a tough one to nail down. This should be its own thread! Pullups are on my list no matter how you define it. An all-inclusive list would probably include Pullups, Deadlifts, Thrusters, Sprints and Burpees.

The 5 that cause the most discomfort and cursing while performing them...coincidence? I think not!


How about yours?

[Get Primal]

The number depends on the workout schedule. Some workouts call for 100 (not straight), while others call for a max number during a specific time, it's always different. When I'm home I'll often go to my bar and do 10. I find this helps keep my pullup strength up. For some reason if you stop doing them for a while your pullup strength fades quickly!

If you want to do the Crossfit style workouts I'd highly recommend Googling "kipping" pullups and watch some videos. This style allows you to do more in a row, and when a workout calls for 100 doing them dead hang would take most people all day. It allows you to do more pullups but it also makes them harder in my opinion because it's now using much more of your body. I'm gassed after a long set of kips.