P90X - Legs and Back Question

kylielouttit

I can't do a pull up to save my life, so I've been using my resistance bands. I'm on the hardest band and I'm not really feeling it, what am I doing wrong? The exercise isn't super easy when I'm doing it but I thought I would feel it more...

Should I move on to using the chair? Would I feel it more then? I'm on Day 12 of the lean program.

MissyMorganFit

IF the band you are currently using does indeed provide enough resistance, it must be one of two things: 1) incorrect form or 2) you are not performing the exercise at a slow enough pace to provide the correct amount of resistance on your muscles.

Try watching each exercise a bit more as the dvd goes along through the workout. Pay attention to form & the pace at which the exercises are done. Also, be sure you are performing 12-15 reps. The last 3-4 of each set should be difficult. I CAN actually do pullups now but ONLY because I previously completed P90X Classic. However, I am doing Lean this time around, & I still use the bands often & get just as sore from my bands as using the bar. Hope this helps!

BR1986FB

Use the chair. If you want to get to the point where you can do them unassisted, when you get to the top of the pullup, take your foot off the chair and lower yourself as slowly as possible (negative resistance). This will help you get more acclimated to lowering your own bodyweight. Believe me, this works.

cynthials

I do them with one leg on the chair now. I started with the band (using the heaviest resistance I had) and felt the same way. Unfortunately I don't think Tony does a great job of explaining how to use the band for pullups. I am doing Lean and in one of the later Back DVDs he explains that you should be bent over with your ribs touching your thighs. That is obviously what I was doing wrong. So, you can try it that way or you can use a chair if you feel the band is not working well for you anymore.

glfprncs2

I'll 2nd what BR said above...use the chair. I used resistance bands during my first round of Lean 1/3 of the way through my 2nd round of Doubles, but REALLY wanted to be able to do an unassisted pull-up. Use the least amount of pressure on your foot on the way up so you're working those back muscles, but then do a negative on the way down. Foot off the chair, making yourself lower down slowly using your own strength.

I have to say, the day I did my first pull up (NOT chin-up) without the chair I about peed my pants I was so happy!