Pullups (mostly for ladies)

engineman312

There was an older guy at the gym where I used to workout. He said ONE pullup might save your life someday. That comment has always stuck with me! I can't do one, yet! But I have a question. i did look at the nerdfitness link, and the pictures show him doing the pullup/chinup with an overhand grip. At the gym, I found using an underhanded grip (with assistance) was easier. Does it matter? Is it just working a different muscle? Is one way "cheating"?

Underhand is called a "chin up" and it is much easier. Pullups are overhand.

Chinups are good too!

chin ups are excellent. the pull up is harder because there are a lot of back and shoulder muscles involved.

jennifershoo

http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/04/25/do-a-pull-up/

Awesome link, thanks!

jeccalou

Marking

_persephone_

I've been following the Nerd Fitness pull-up program for a little while now, and am slowly getting there. I've always wanted to be able to do pull ups...they are by far the coolest looking exercise IMO.

gbass442

My wife and I do p90x also.. I bought this product for both of us. It helps her accomplish her goals and it helps me do extra when I am exhausted and still want to work.

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products/pullup-revolution.html

it is a great product, and I think exactly what you are looking for.

thesuperchunk

Good link from nerdfitness, just what I was looking for, thanks.

I can do 7 pullups. I can do 8 sets of 7 pullups back to back. I can do 7 pullups 20 times a week for months and months, and then I can still do 7 pullups. No matter what I do I just can't seem to progress on pullups and it's driving me bat****. I'm at the point where I'm ready to train specifically for pullups just to get over this damn hump.

I think for some of us they are just plain hard for whatever reason. Compared to my chinups, pushups, curls and whatnot it's a horrible weak spot for me.

Elizabeth_C34

Good link from nerdfitness, just what I was looking for, thanks.

I can do 7 pullups. I can do 8 sets of 7 pullups back to back. I can do 7 pullups 20 times a week for months and months, and then I can still do 7 pullups. No matter what I do I just can't seem to progress on pullups and it's driving me bat****. I'm at the point where I'm ready to train specifically for pullups just to get over this damn hump.

I think for some of us they are just plain hard for whatever reason. Compared to my chinups, pushups, curls and whatnot it's a horrible weak spot for me.

I've never been able to do more than 2 pullups even when I was superfit.

It's good to have a goal like this to push you to a new level of fitness.

engineman312

Good link from nerdfitness, just what I was looking for, thanks.

I can do 7 pullups. I can do 8 sets of 7 pullups back to back. I can do 7 pullups 20 times a week for months and months, and then I can still do 7 pullups. No matter what I do I just can't seem to progress on pullups and it's driving me bat****. I'm at the point where I'm ready to train specifically for pullups just to get over this damn hump.

I think for some of us they are just plain hard for whatever reason. Compared to my chinups, pushups, curls and whatnot it's a horrible weak spot for me.

try getting a weight belt and adding some weight to your pull ups. also helps for dips too.

zafferFL

Good link from nerdfitness, just what I was looking for, thanks.

I can do 7 pullups. I can do 8 sets of 7 pullups back to back. I can do 7 pullups 20 times a week for months and months, and then I can still do 7 pullups. No matter what I do I just can't seem to progress on pullups and it's driving me bat****. I'm at the point where I'm ready to train specifically for pullups just to get over this damn hump.

I think for some of us they are just plain hard for whatever reason. Compared to my chinups, pushups, curls and whatnot it's a horrible weak spot for me.

try getting a weight belt and adding some weight to your pull ups. also helps for dips too.

I'm the same, most I can do with going all the way down to a dead position is 8-10..

Adding weight helps the workout for sure. I expect that when I lose a few more lbs with the increased weight I'll be up to 12 soon.

If you're just adding 10,20,30lbs to start, then you can use a single dumbell, hold between your feet - just be careful of cramps if you hold it weird, sometimes my hamstrings tighten up. After that a weight belt or vest helps for sure as @engineman suggested

aeverton

is it just me, or does it seem like people with shorter arms seem to have an easier time with pullups? Could just be my lame excuse for why I can't do one.

Another goal to add to my list!

Angie

zafferFL

is it just me, or does it seem like people with shorter arms seem to have an easier time with pullups? Could just be my lame excuse for why I can't do one.

Another goal to add to my list!

Angie

goal of shortening arms?

It might be true, but long arms = more potential muscle...that's a good thing, right?

I know that there is a theory that dead lifts are easier with long arms and bench press easier with short arms

Elizabeth_C34

is it just me, or does it seem like people with shorter arms seem to have an easier time with pullups? Could just be my lame excuse for why I can't do one.

Another goal to add to my list!

Angie

Excuses schmexcuses girl! Go hit the gym! *wink*

I have really long arms too.