Pullups (mostly for ladies)

Lat pull down machine is the same movement, it might be a good start.
This won't really help with core, however, which is very active in a pull up.
Biceps and forearms might also need some work.

But as they say, the best way to get started is to do the actual exercise. Do you have anyone that can help you by holding your feet?

Unfortunately no. I don't really know anyone at my gym, but I'm willing to do the work to get my body strong enough to do it. I'm open for suggestions on how to improve core strength, back, and arms if you have them.

Having a goal of "do 10 pullups by April" is great motivation for me to stick with it and make progress.

dead lifts will help a little. that article also mentions body weight rows, really great advice.

Sweet. I did my first set of Romanian deadlifts today at 80lbs, which is pretty awesome for me. I'm hoping to be able to eventually deadlift my body weight (goal weight at least) of 150.

that's great, once you get pullups right it will be a great complement to your routine.

You can use resistance bands to do assisted pullups. Over time you will need less and less assitance, until you're finally able to do them unassisted.

I've never use them. How do I use them?

Take the band and put it over the bar. Pull one side through the other and pull it tight. Put your foot through the loop in the bottom and ta da!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gNrOhy5KU) See the video for how the band goes on.

I also just did general strength training as well to help me get my dead hang pull ups, as well as negative pull ups (start up at the top position of a pull up and slowly control yourself down.)

Between New Rules, adding some weight assisted pull ups (went down on weight at my last workout, win!) and doing the Nerd Fitness suggestions, my goal is at least one by Tough Mudder on May 18. To me that seems like a stretch. On the weight assist I'm only lifting 100#'s of my own weight. On the NF style, I'm not hardly at a 30 degree angle. But. I'll get there.

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"?

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!

LMAO! Thank you! Yes, a chin up is much easier! I was hoping they were the same, just using different muscles. LOL...guess i better try for the pullup!!

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

Awesome link, thanks!

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.

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.

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.

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