Chin ups or pull ups?

whmscll

I'm doing StrongLifts 5x5; still a beginner. I would like to add some of the assistive exercises into my routine, but I don't want to add too much too soon. I'd like to add either chin-ups or pull-ups, but not both yet. My goal is to strengthen and add definition in my triceps. Should I add chin-ups? Or pull-ups?

DopeItUp

Neither of those exercises work your triceps.

But realistically they are similar movements so either/or/both would probably fine. Alternate them week to week is another option. Chin-ups are generally easier and you'll get more bicep activation out of them so that may be a factor as well, especially if you aren't particularly adept at knocking out lots of them yet.

DavPul

Well, I was going to ask why not both.....but then we started talking about triceps? As Dope points out, those aren't triceps exercises

whmscll

I was wondering about that. I'll add dips (probably starting with negatives) for triceps, and try pull-ups (probably negatives to start with those as well) and work up.

jemhh

They are very similar but chin ups tend to be slightly easier for most people.

drachfit

chin ups are easier because they involve more musculature. so if you are just learning, start with those until you can do a few reps.

once you can do both, train both!

Yi5hedr3

Different muscles, so do both.

ltworide

For triceps you could also add in diamond push-ups/close width push-ups.