MuscleDog.com - Connecting you to a better body!

Sometimes it is the simplest of exercises that result in the greatest results. Many people neglect pull-ups because they just seem too simple. We get these ideas in our heads that there is alwa…
Click here to read the full article

This is one of my favorite tips for pull ups.
I love using bands.. i really feel like it has made my back stronger and i am better able to bang out a few more pull/chin ups..
 
 
Tip #4 – Use bands for assisted reps after your weighted reps.
 
“This is the best tip for trying to really bang out some more reps and get that pump going. After all, that pump can promote a lot of growth as you are flushing more blood to your back muscles. After doing a max set of weighted pull-ups, immediately put your feet on the band (attach it inside of your hands) and perform as many as you can. Somewhere in the range of 20-25 reps would be ideal. I only recommend one set here to begin with and you can then add another set down the road as you become better conditioned to be able to handle this type of load. This is basically the equivalent of doing a drop set on bench or with curls, or another version of forced/partner assisted reps. “
 

This is a great article. A lot of it is common sense but its so simple that a lot of times you forget about the little things because they are so simple.

what do  you guys think about only using resistance band to do pull ups for girls??
 
I can do about 6-7 pull ups but i feel the burn more when i can bang out 12 with a band?

I would stick with fewer reps little rest between and hit the number of reps you are trying to achieve. It is too easy to rely on the band or assisted machines.

jim… i hear what you are saying.. even though i feel the burn its not the same.. i do them when i am feeling lazy..
 
i was doing just pull ups for a while and i noticed i got a lot stronger.. then i got lazy and went back to bands.. my strength is down for sure.. i cant do as many pull ups as before

Pull ups are a rough one. They are truly a staple in my training and with all of my clients. I remember only being able to do a few and vowed to train to do them anytime and do them well. My kids always ask if I can do them when I am testing them it is always nice to know I can crank out more than any student I have had.

hahhaha.. thats pretty bad ass! i bet they have ALOT of respect for you!

When it comes to pull ups do you think its better to do high rebs with no weight or low reps with weights.

good questions.. i guess its good to add weight if you can.. however it depends on your goals and were you are in your workout.. for example if you are doing a finisher exercisethen doing max out pull ups without weight is a good idea..
 
i think they both have a place in any routine

 
Tremendous article! I would say that it depends on your goal! Either way - I think that it is best to do BOTH, on an every other workout type basis. Just try to put the work in - one workout with more reps followed by one workout with less reps.

And I always feel people overlook the most simple of exercises such as the pullup. It can be VERY difficult if you challenge yourself with it, ya know? If you think it is easy - why treat it differently than any other exercise:?? Add weight!!! If a bench press were easy you’d add weight! Great advice, tremendous stuff.

Adding weight is good but I would try to work through sets of 8-10 even twelve consistently before having to add weight. Even changing your rest time would really challenge most of us. Set a number and blast away. If you hit it add weight 5 and 10 pounds at a time.

is it bad to use momentum when you do pull ups??
 
 
What if it can help you bang out 3 more pull ups?

I really try to keep form all the way down all the way up. Performing quickly? I don’t see a problem with that. I try to move quickly but with good form.

i guess swinging a little is not good form.. but i thought it was better then nothing if you can just bang out a few more hten you planned

I would take some swing to get a few more.

thanks! thats i what i did this morning.. i know alot of cross fitters swing the whole time which is not ideal either

 
I definitely think it is a good idea to use momentum on pullups!!
-
IF you have already maxed out on your STRICT reps and want to do a few forced reps. HA! I got you all. Although - as llulko mentioned - that is CROSSFIT 101 to use your momentum to do the work!

 
I definitely think it is a good idea to use momentum on pullups!!
-
IF you have already maxed out on your STRICT reps and want to do a few forced reps. HA! I got you all. Although - as llulko mentioned - that is CROSSFIT 101 to use your momentum to do the work!

thanks MIke!! thats what i thought as well.. yea lol cross fitters are all about momentum!

Haha! I am not hating on crossfitters at ALL! I actually am Crossfit Level 1 certified, so, I can be classified as “one of them.” Well, not technically since I don’t technically do crossfit myself, I Am jsut certified to teach it. I am very well capable of doing it - I just decide to do other types of training. But yes, they are for the most part as it relates to pullups! Just about doing as many as you can - quantity over quality!!

I mean crossfitters prefer quantity over quality. That does not reflect my view on the subject. I believe it is ALWAYS quality over quanity. Always. On any exercise.

BUT! they do have the intense factor which is good if your goal is fat loss.. not so much strength..
 
i am not against cross fit.. i think if you make it your own type of workout it could be great (depending on your goal)

I think it has it’s place but it si not the end all that is for sure.

i don think any workout is the RIGHT ONE.. the key is changing it up and shocking your body..there is a place for cross fit, kettle bell work, low reps, high reps, cardio ect..
 
they all have a place in your workout..
 
intensity is key.. i always go back to that

TRUE!

all though! you can have a favorite workout and thats the one you shoudld always go back to (do to motivation level)…
 
 
i like the good old 12-15 reps heavy weight (two body parts per workout) with compound exercises..
 
Also i miss boxing!! i use to take a boot camp style boxing class when i was younger and LOVED it!! I am not sure if i will feel as challenged but it was sooo much fun!!!

 
That is a really simple, but good, approach to lifting weights!
 
Also - some of those cardio boxing type classes are GREAT! There CAN’T be a single female or male out there who would honestly say that running on a treadmill for a half hour is more fun than a boxing class. HAha there might be a few crazy people out there who feel that but for me there is ZERO comparison!

And I say that there is zero comparison because my MIND is actually engaged during those boxing classes. After about 3 minutes on the treadmill I am unbelievably bored and wanting to move on to the next exercise. Even if I do intervals or something like that I still get super bored because the movement just doesn’t change.