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Chin Up

Primary muscle
Lats
Secondary muscles
Upper backBicepsForearms
Equipment
Machine

Overview

A vertical pull with an underhand, shoulder-width grip. It trains the lats and upper back while giving the biceps more work than a pull-up.

How to do it

  1. Grab the bar with your palms facing you, hands about shoulder width apart.

  2. Hang with your arms straight, legs still and core braced.

  3. Pull your shoulder blades down and drive your elbows toward your hips.

  4. Pull until your chin is above the bar and your chest is close to it.

  5. Lower yourself under control to a full hang.

Tips

  • Squeeze the bar hard to keep your wrists and elbows stable.
  • Use a band or an assisted machine to practise full reps.

Common mistakes

  • Doing half reps that never reach straight arms.
  • Swinging your body to build momentum.
  • Reaching up with your chin instead of pulling your body up.

Similar exercises

All Lats exercises

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