How to Do Pull Up Exercises

If you really want to strengthen your arms, then you should attempt to perform sets of pull ups. Although difficult at first, you'll find the exercise gets easier to complete the longer that you do it. You can also try different variations of the traditional pull up to keep things interesting.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Stand under the bar. Adjust the height to meet your comfort level if possible. Obviously, the higher that the bar stands over your head, the harder the pull up movement is.

2. Place your hands on the bar. You can situate your hands as close or as wide as you prefer. Many times, you keep your hands closer together if you are performing a chin up with your palms on the bar facing towards you.

3. Use your muscle strength to pull your body off of the floor. Set a point that you wish to reach above the bar. Most people attempt to get their chin even with the bar.

4. Perform a set of reps. For a beginner, fifteen is a good number to start with. Once you get the movement down, keep at the pull ups. You'll notice that you build up your strength and the motion is easier to complete.

Tips & Warnings

• When you complete a pull up with a wider grip, you work more muscle groups in your body. You work your arms, back and shoulders in lieu of just your arms.

• If you hang from the pull up bar, instead of starting on the ground, use a spotter. This person ensures that you stay safe while doing the pull ups.