Blog Post

HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST PULL-UP

Kevin Kohan • Mar 14, 2018

Hitting your first pull up is a coveted experience for most fitness athletes.

Everybody remembers when they executed their very first pull up or muscle up, or sprinted the 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds where they hit it and how excited they were! Pull ups are very much like pulling yourself up and over a wall in an OCR Spartan race, or climbing over a fence, which is what makes them one of the most functional movements in the gym. They are the ultimate test of upper body strength and power.

What You MUST Know

Just like anything else in life, if you want to execute a particular goal then you must first know where you lie in relation to that goal. In other words you need to test yourself to see where you are at.



Step 1: Perform a Dead Hang Hold for 30-60 seconds depending on ability and repeat for a total of 3 sets with 90 seconds rest in between sets. Soon as you’re able to complete all three sets without dropping down from the pull-up bar you are ready to move on to step number two


Step 2: perform a 15-30 second isometric static hold at the top of your pull-up/chin-up. Think of this like you’re gluing your chest to the bar. Pinch your shoulder blades back, controlled breathing and minimal movement. When you are able to execute this for three sets of a 30 second static hold you are then ready to move on to step number three


Step 3: after passing the preparation phase (step 1 & 2) then you will want to progress into strict inverted barbell row (aka Australian pull up) or TRX/Ring rows with the barbell or handles set at waist height. You will need to work up to being able to complete 10 strict reps with a controlled 2-3 second decent for 3 sets. When you can master this movement then you are ready to move on to step 4.


Step 4: Perform A jumping negative pull up this is done by stepping on a box or bench under the pull-up bar and grasping the pull-up bar right before you jump off, attempting to get your chin over the bar. From here you will control your descent for 3-5 seconds all the way down to a dead hang position. Complete for 1 full rep and then rest for one minute. Repeat this sequence for 5-10 total reps or by doing one 3-5 second jumping negative Pull-ups/chin-ups every minute on the minute for 5-10 minutes. Or, another option is to work in 3-5 sets of 3-5 reps of a "jumping negative pull up" with a 3-5 second decent.


Step 5: Go for it! Now you are ready to conquer and execute your very first pull up


**BONUS: some additional things you can do to help accelerate your progression for your pull-ups is performing Scap pull ups. This is done by hanging from a pull up bar and just activating the scapular pulling muscles through the first 6 inches of your pull up. So you will attempt to go for my dead hang position and then try to pinch your shoulder blades together without bending your elbows.


A great way to get stronger in these simple gymnastic movements is to build volume. The pull-up is one of the most basic upper body movements that people need to spend more time on.


If Your Goal is to eventually do a Pull-up and you can complete at least 3-5 STRICT inverted rows at parallel then do the following:


Monday: Every minute on the minute (EMOM) for 10 minutes: 3 strict (thumbs to armpit) inverted Row


Wednesday: EMOM for 12 minutes: 3 Strict Inverted TRX or Ring Rows with 3 sec ISO Hold (thumbs to arm pits) *(feet are either on ground with body parallel to floor or can be elevated)


Friday: EMOM 14 minutes: 2 Jumping Negative Chin-ups (or do what ever level you are at with the steps below)


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