Are Pull ups required ?

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  • AsrarHussain
    AsrarHussain Posts: 1,424 Member
    MarkusDarwath wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Required no. The biggest bodybuilding backs in the world can barely do 4-5 pullsup because of weight (250lbs and up). They do a lot of pulldowns though.

    So, at 264# and not working out, I shouldn't be embarrassed that I can't do one?

    You should not be embarrassed, we all start somewhere.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    AsrarHussain wrote: »
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    When I started lifting again, I could not do one. I worked on heavy rows and pulldowns. I can now do 5-6 strict form pullups. Negatives will help you build the strength, along with other back exercises that I mentioned. Also, do some inverted rows. If you have access to an assisted pullup machine, use it as well. I also lost 27 lbs. which for me made a big difference, as it's less weight I have to pull. I don't believe there is any single exercise that will help you build a wide back like pullups. Lat pulldowns would be my number two choice.

    I'm cutting at the moment. I do rows and pulldowns, I try to target the back from all angles

    Another good exercise is straingt arm cable pulldowns. Really good for hitting lats.
  • EzRemake
    EzRemake Posts: 128 Member
    Required, no. Recommended, ohhhh yes.

    Even if you can't do them yet, just practice trying to pull yourself up the bar and eventually you'll get that first rep and you'll feel awesome. Pullups are definitely one of the strongest calisthenics upper body exercises.
  • feisty_bucket
    feisty_bucket Posts: 1,047 Member
    AsrarHussain wrote: »
    are they really required or can I just do rows and lat pulldowns.

    Lat pulldowns are in the same class of movement (a vertical pull) and are easier to incrementalize.
    (Rows are a horizontal pull, so not in the same class).

    You don't have to do pull-ups, but you "have" to do a vertical pull. So do whatever exercise you can, and get stronger.
  • gc384
    gc384 Posts: 33 Member
    Get 2 chairs, 1 strong broomstick, lay flat on your back between the chairs (beneath the bar, like a benchpress). Then do x3 sets of 10 pull ups (chest to bar).

    After a few weeks youll be able to start doing proper pull ups from a mounted bar. Remember to 'hang' so your body isnt moving after each pull up (my pet hate seeing guys swinging around using momentum lol). Try hanging for 3 seconds after each pull up, then when 'up', hold the position for at least 1 second....builds good form and technique.
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    I'm just going to add that a Proper form pull up is much more difficult than just getting your chin above the bar or kicking your legs up to create momentum. Eyes high and moving elbows back like you were going to put them in your back pockets always helps me stay true to the pull up. It is a back exercise going out of form builds great biceps..lol..
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    A question about these pull-ups ... are they possible if a person has a shoulder with a tendency toward chronic subluxation?

    I'm hypermobile with my shoulders being very "mobile" and I'm getting there. I did have to do a lot of strengthening work with the lat pull down first and this month I started using the assisted pull down machine. Before I did the strengthening work it felt like my shoulders were dislocating (admitedly I did also weigh more), but now it doesn't.
  • jmt08c
    jmt08c Posts: 343 Member
    IMO, pull ups are a great way to measure your true strength and thus should be incorporated into your back routine. Palms away, chin ups and military (arms parallel) all have their place in a full back workout. As previously stated if you are unable to do them on your own utilize negatives or the pull up assist machine.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    AsrarHussain wrote: »
    MarkusDarwath wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Required no. The biggest bodybuilding backs in the world can barely do 4-5 pullsup because of weight (250lbs and up). They do a lot of pulldowns though.

    So, at 264# and not working out, I shouldn't be embarrassed that I can't do one?

    You should not be embarrassed, we all start somewhere.

    I just found the assisted pull up machine at my new gym. Pull ups have ALWAYS been my problem. In my prime I had trouble doing more than 7. Can't do any now. So, I start on the assisted machine at half my body weight and did 6. When I get to ten, I'll lower the assistance and re-start until I get to ten again and then repeat. I'll get to ten unassisted pull ups someday ;-)

    You can only do what you can do, but you can always work to improve.
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