Pull ups are very effective for the back muscles and are great for building the V shaped figure that bodybuilders often possess. Many people do not realize how powerful this exercise can be if done right. In fact, they are so powerful that they are among the most popular exercises used by elite military organizations around the world. One great thing about doing this exercise is that you don't have to have expensive equipment. If you have a free standing pull up bar or another sturdy bar that will hold your weight, you are in business.
To begin this exercise, simply start in the dead hang position with your arms fully extended. Now pull yourself up until your chin reaches the bar. The chin should go slightly over the bar to be considered a full pull up. Once you have pulled yourself up, slowly lower yourself back down until your arms are fully extended once again. Once you reach this position, you have completed one pull up.
The type of grip you use is entirely up to you. Many people find one way more comfortable than the other. So whether you do them with your palms facing outward or facing towards you, it's hard to beat the benefits that this exercise provides.
Once you have mastered the proper way of doing this exercise, you'll want to increase the number of repetitions you can do. Many people struggle to complete even one pull up when starting out but it doesn't take long to build the strength necessary. One great way is to use an approach called negatives. This is basically a pull up done backwards. You will get yourself up over the bar by using a chair or another sturdy item and then slowly lower yourself back down to a dead hang. Continue this process over and over.
This strategy works because it allows you to exercise the same muscle groups used in a standard pull up except in an easier way. You will still gain strength which is the whole purpose of doing them. By doing these often enough, you'll soon find yourself completing normal repetitions of the exercise.
Adding pull ups into your normal workout routine is a great way to increase your overall results. Of course, as with any other type of exercise, you'll want to make sure to do them correctly for the greatest benefits. Quality is better than quantity when it comes to this exercise so make sure you spend the time perfecting your approach.
