Cant do pull ups

Soleirishpride

So, I tried crossfit a while ago and I loved it. I was in a beginner class and we never had to do pull ups. Right now I'm staring over again and I was wondering what is a good substitute until I become stronger.

barth84

Pull ups are tough, no doubt about it. Before I could kip I would do sets of one or two pull ups until I got to the total for the wod. I think you should definitely stay on the bar and try jumping pull ups or pull ups with bands. If you go to a gym that has a pull up machine that you can set to assist you that would probably be ok too. The crossfit main site has tons of info on substitutions. I think you can find it in the FAQ section. Good luck. If you stick with it you'll be repping pull ups in no time.

kiommie28

I usually substitute pullups with ring rows to build up some strength. I have incorporated pullup "negatives" as well. I have a shoulder issue so pullups have been hard to come by but I've made some huge gains since starting.

XFitMojoMom

ring rows.
but if you can jump up and hold yourself at the top and slowly lower yourself down to full extension at the bottom (negative) I do that.
Most gyms allow bands - you can work your way through different resistance bands until you can do a few unassisted.

jenaissance

My back is a disaster and I can't hold core contraction very well (yet) so I sub ring rows on pullup days

Vmg773

definitely with bands!

g4genn

I love using the bands. You can adjust to increase your weight slowly while building up you strenght.