getting good vibes from this. no judgement or fearmongering towards bad forms. no secret formula. no unneccesary anatomy essays. instead just useful tips explained in a calm and simple manner. thanks
im a 19 year old female who has been doing strength training for about the last 10 weeks and was getting really discouraged over not yet being able to do my first pull up. after watching your video, and then trying again, I realized I had the strength to be able go do one pull up this whole time! the tip about keeping your arms parallel to take the stress off the biceps changed everything. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is unreal. I just shared this on my Instagram because it fully made my day. For what it's worth though, I just made a YT video. So many watch videos for hours and never take action so good job on you for putting in the work and taking your pull ups to that next level!! 💪🏿
Ive seen way too many videos of how to do a proper pull-up, but yours was the only one that clicked for me. Thank you a lot! That made a world of difference for me!!
64 and plateaued at 4. Watching your pull up videos, my awareness of my scapulars have finally penetrated my old brain. You’ve taught me the difference between the arch back and hollow body. I’ve decided on the arch back. I’ll try to pay attention to my forearms as well. I’m also on a deadlifting journey as well. Thank you so much from this fanatical mountain biker.
You're very welcome! 64 and can do 4 pull ups is an awesome achievement! I'd argue most 20 year olds couldn't do one clean pull up to be honest! Keep it up 👊🏿
Wonderful video. Elegant and clear presentation without unnecessary bells and whistles. This helped me realize that I was flaring my elbows, which was making it hard to feel the exercise in my back rather than my arms. Today's workout felt way better and I think it's going to help a lot lookingforward, so thank you!
Thank you so much needed this, I’ve been doing lat pull down and stuff like that so my back is kinda muscular (for a teen anyway) but my pull ups always felt like more of an arm workout thanks again.
I would recommend getting a v grip , often used for pull downs or a pair of rings , if you want to build your lats very young people or new trainers don't have mind muscle connection yet, which will come later, there will help ypu grow and force lat activation and isolation faster , plus both will require practice. With both, attach to a pull bar, fir then v grip attachment, just put it over the bar and it will cause close grip large activation of the kits through both the pull and release of the movement and the rings, well they speak for themselves
Pull ups are an arm workout. Pulling involves elbow flexors and humeral extensors. CKC vs OKC is the debate of greater interest. Not this bogus advice from Mr Knows Very-Little
I watched various videos, trying to understand how to use my back and engage the scapula and your explanations and examples were perfect! Simply stating 'flaring arms' solved everything. Thank you!
My friend who is also in calisthetics for a long time told me exactly what you said, only your presentation really showed me how that should look. Also trying it out it really helped me make more reps, so thank you for actually making a short and informative video about the proper way to do a pull-up with lats instead of wasting 20 mins on nothing 👍
I've been stuck at 12 pullups for like 6 months and it just hurts, not in the good burning way. I was just flaring my elbows. Very happy to have found this
Good video. I am not sure about others, but what has helped me is concentrating pushing my head back away from the bar as I go up. Every other part of my form naturally falls into the proper place. By the way, if you have never filmed yourself, you are not doing what you think you are doing.
Interesting tip, Jake! I imagine that that would also support with trap activation, as it is the splenius and traps that pull the head back, so this would be a great cue for getting a deeper contraction. Cheers for sharing this!!!
I went from being able to do 3-5 reps of clean, no kip muscle ups at 250 lbs bodyweight back in my mid-late 20's (easily 15 regular pull ups), to now at 38 years old barely being able to do 4-5 regular pull ups. In the last week I've been motivated to get my pull up strength back but found myself still unable to get it to "feel right"... Thanks so much for the video! I can already feel a big difference! Btw, the reason for my big loss of strength was that I had a full pec tear right at 30. It was 2 months before I got married, and then we've had 2 kids since then, so of course priorities greatly shifted. But even, say, a year after the surgery and it being healed, I could tell my anatomy just.. changed, compared to before and it even affected my ability to do pull ups (very much changed how things work in my right shoulder). And now, over the years, it's almost like I just forgot how to do pull ups properly lol. This video was a huge help. Thanks again!!
Brother, I was in the military for four years where our physical fitness tests included pull ups. I feel like I learned more about pull ups in this video than my whole military career. We used to just brute force them to get to that magic number of 20. Gonna take this info now and see what happens. Thanks!
That means so much! Thank you for dropping this comment! It's this sort of stuff that motivates me to keep making videos like this, so glad it was helpful! Hope the gains keep coming, Cody! 💪🏿
I've been working on achieving chest-to-bar pull ups for months now and felt like I havent made any progress. I just did my first full set simply by fixing my arm flare. Thanks for the tip. Great video
You don’t know how helpful this is. I have been doing pull ups with flaring arm my whole life and wonder why my lats aren’t activating. This is amazing advices!
After every pullup session I come back home with a massive bicep pump but no back fatigue, hopefully you can help me fix that! I'll watch it, thanks for making this video!
This works! I did everything you mentioned, and I felt the stretch, each pull up felt fuller than ever and the cherry on top was the pump afterwards ;)
You're welcome 👊🏿 It's obvious when you see it which is why it can be so frustrating when it's pointed out but hopefully loads of pull up gains incoming for you 💪🏿
I love the detail, and more importantly, the arrangement of the information you presented here. Each bit of information leading to the next in a logical progression. Very informative.
absolutely fantastic, I know what the proper muscle activation is, but i cant feel it during the exercise and you covered it in 1:49. Love the constant pull up clips throughout the video
What i also like to do is to make more distance between your both arms while making pull ups. If you spread your arms wider, you can activate your latissimo even better. Nice video, dude. Just short and to the point.
Can not beat catching up with the channel after few weeks away! Love the new music and camera work and editing, well done Andrew, it can be seen that you are growing and getting better plus the content is amazing as always!
Good tips for a tricky problem. Another tip is to do pullups later on in your exercise routine. I used to start off with pullups (if only because it's the easiest exercise to go straight into), but would invariably be feeling it more in my biceps and shoulders. So by tiring them out first in other exercises, I'd have no choice but to use my back to get over the bar.
You should definitely do pullups first, as you should for most compound movements. If you can't do pullups because your biceps and shoulders are already tired, you will be limiting the amount of training you can do on your back muscles. If you feel that you are using other muscles to compensate your back, you need to work on improving your technique and/or strenghtening your back muscles with different movements.
Yeah i recommend against this. Its like your trying to turn a compound movement into isolation, which could lead to other issues. If you focus on what the man said in this video, this will 90% solve your technique issues. If anything, maybe do arched backs or rows, so you're aware of what your lats feel like when engaged. You want a similar engagement for your pull ups. Also, you may want to use bands to unload, so you can get the technique dialed in
Thanks for the great video, learned a lot from this video, Hitting 75 and have gone form being able to do 40 pullups to doing none. Having a lot of bad luck the last couple of years not close to two years not done any weight or Calisthenics. First a very bad burn in my foot, hospital three times a week, then garden season so busy then compression fracture in my spine no lifting for three months and then had to start out very light, so just a month ago started back up. Even at 65 could do bench press of 3sets of 12 reps of 180 lb. and now just doing 3 sets of 16 reps doing 90 lbs. doing more reps less weight till my back gets fully recovered, still painful just getting down on the bench, but slowly getting there. I was unable to do even one pullup, so what you showed should help me a lot. Thank You.
So sorry about the bad luck that you have had with injuries and issues, Hilton! The good news is that the comeback is always easier than that first time But if you don't mind me asking, dispite these issues, what would you say has been the main reason that you have stayed in shape for so long? Most 75 year olds just sit around and yet here you are getting slowly back into pull ups. THIS is my goal - the longevity aspect. So do YOU have any words of advice for me?
For the last 4 months I’ve been damaging my shoulders, biceps and destroying my brachialis🫣😮💨 These simple tops are a game changer. Thank you so much🙌🏻👌👍🏻
I find that a wider grip gives me that really burn in my lats. Particularly if you have a bar that has a slight angle to it on the ends, like a lat pull-down bar has, then using that grip helps tremendously.
Great video thanx. U shud mention hand position. Most ppl when they grap the bar end up crunching their hands when they grip the bar. This causes the skin in ur hands to bunch up and therefore u cut off blood supply and they will eventually start hurting and ppl let go as a result. So placing the BAR between the top of ur hand just below the bottom of ur fingers about 1 inch is where one should grab the bar. One should roll the bar over their hand as they grab it to prevent bounching. U should also mention leg position.
In earnest that is the best mentality; 'always be learning'. One thing I see with calisthenics is people jumping into weighted pulls too early so good on you for drilling down on working toward better form!
A well put together and informative video! Thank you! My entire back is disproportionately weak because of how much time I've spent at my computer. With only a few weeks of going to the gym so far, it has indeed been difficult to activate my back muscles properly during reps so this video has found me at the perfect time really. Thumbs up! We're all gonna make it brahs!
I had rounded back for a long time that eventually led to breathing issues. My chiropractor said it’s from a combo of poor posture working a desk job + when I did pull ups I always did the hollow version which has a rounded back at the top, so I was essentially cementing a position I already spent way too much time in during work and off work. Just wanted to share
The answer is quite simple & has been known since the 70s (Arthur Jones noted this ) , use a palms up grip (that’s where the magic lies )about shoulder width or slightly less & shrug with your last in the 1sr quarter .the palms down grip places the bicep in the pronated position and is working at its weakest this will tire 1st and that wear you will feel the fatigue ,
This really feels like it will help! I'm a pretty strong guy. I weigh a bit over 200, my deadlift PR is 410 (conventional, raw except for straps), and I SUCK at pullups. I think my PR is 3. It must've been during times when I accidentally did more of an arched-back pullup. My PR on chinups is 11 with a wee bit of cheating. What you describe sounds a lot like rows or bench press. You're retracting your scapula at the correct angle so you're not just using your upper back or going too low and not getting much of anything to pull/push with. It also reminds me of a somewhat cheated overhead press, where people lean back and turn it into somewhat of a bench. The not flairing your elbows is obviously very similar to a bench press as well. You tuck your elbows in during a bench press. I guess I should envision a pullup as a negative rep of a bench press, except my butt does not have a contact point to prop my body up. You can do that with core strength if you're strong and/or light enough, and it's a popular calisthenics move I can't remember the name of, but for pullups, I don't need to.
First of all, those are some serious deadlift numbers (I assume those are in lbs) especially considering the weight relative to bodyweight! I can't lie to you, pull ups do take some getting used to and you're spot on with teh form cues. At the top of a 'perfect' pull up we do adopt a position akin to a row, the idea being that - yes we want the lats to work during this movement - but we also need the rhomboids, traps and rear delts to put a shift in too. Is the calisthenics skill you're thinking of the 'Front Lever' by any chance? - I'm trying to learn that too. In any case, welcome to the channel!!!
I've been doing pull ups off and on for about six years and can never seem to progress. The most I've ever been able to do is 10 but most often I can only do about six. And I always have to stop because my arms are tired or sore. Sometimes my back is sore the next day but not usually. Your visualization standing on the ground and bringing your elbows back helped a lot and I'm excited to try it tomorrow. Thanks!
Bro that makes sense now. Thanks man for the longest I’ve been trying to figure out why my arms was getting worn out before my back I gotta practice this
This was really helpful, for me it was especially : 1-Visualizing bending the bar down 2-Keeping the elbows "forward" and the forearm parallel 3-No internal rotation Love the vibe, to the point, clear explanation, perfect vid ! :)
@@CaliToTheCrowd But still, I have the elbow pain, during bending motion, But no pain after full bend or full extension of hand, & sometimes I hear popping or clicking sounds, I think Negative pulls are too high for me, is I should start with Rowing exercise with rings or bar
Omg you just solved my issue I couldn't put my finger.on why I couldn't feel my back much. I definitely flair out my elbows. Going try this next back day thanks
Fantastic video! Fantastic video making! I get so tired of video that offer information I would like to know, but they can’t make a video any shorter than 15 minutes. Thank you for getting to the point and providing excellent content
First video I’ve seen from you. Really impressed. Great presentation, great editing and demonstration. Really clear, useful and presumably science-based advice. Very professional. Thanks very much!
I've seen hundreds of videos about pullups technique and guides and nobody talks about this 1:58 tip, i will try this next session, if this actually does something im gonna be shocked and very greateful, coz currently im in a pretty long plateau (about a1.5month of 2 pull days a week, zero reps progress i was at 3sets of 8 and im still at 3sets of 8)
@@CaliToTheCrowd Oh my god, it actually worked, my plateau is GONE, all thank to you, it was a massive difference, can't believe it❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 like and subbed, will force my friends to sub too you are the best
@@CaliToTheCrowdit absolutely worked, liked and subbed, words can not describe how grateful i am, this video saved me from myself massively, i did my sets so easily, i can finally increase my reps again, i will watch more, ur a hero to me❤
Seriously, you’re doing the best fitness videos on TH-cam tackling these form issues that everyone else just neglects. I’m really loving your content and you seem to be a very a humble person which is also rare in this fitness industry. Please keep this stuff up! Greetings from Germany One small question if you don’t mind: is a arched back pull up also possible with rings? If so, how can I progress towards them?
Wow, thank you! that is very high praise! Hoping to keep this going for a very long time, so don't worry about me going anywhere =] In terms of arch pull up, yes you can, but it takes a bit more discipline. With the rings will wobble about and with a bar, it is very easy to know your target (get the chest to the bar). That being said, it's a lot easier than hollow body pull up on rings! With both, just try to record yourself to keep up a form check! All the best man!
love this video, hit a pleateau of around 4x12 on pullups and kept feeling it in my biceps and having them burnout before my back. Turns out they were too flared out. Thanks sm
Thanks so much bro. I never really felt my lats and turns out I was doing all 3 things wrong. Looks like my biceps were carrying the entire movement. After following these tips, I had a massive pump in my back. Cheers!
Been struggling with pullups recently. I can do them, but my arms are always burning at the end rather than anything in my back. Will give these tips a try at the gym today, they make a lot of sense. Thanks!
Great video! No unnecessary, long intro, no prelude, just straight to the point information with good editing and different camera angles. Thanks, man. 😊
Very good video Sir. Clear info, focus on key points and not unduly technical. 👏 I'm close to doing my first clean pull up at 65 and i reckon your guide will speed up my progress. Thank you.
65 and still doing things 9/10 people can't do! This is what true fitness is about! Good luck on your pull up journey and keep me posted on how you're going, Glyn 💪🏿
I think a lot of people can benefit from doing work on a machine lat pulldown with lighter weight initially. Pullups are very intense and difficult for a lot of people. I think it can be easy for people to resort to compensation patterns just to complete a few reps, without gaining a feeling mastery of the movement. I used to be able to do a lot of pullups when I was much younger, but it was more arms than lats, for the reasons he points out (wider elbows). Anyway great video, but a lighter version of the exercise on a pulley machine might work better as a starting point for people who are not that strong initially, to build up to full body pullups with really good mechanics.
I am 5.5 (short🫠) and 50kg. I was underweight for many years so I have been trying to work out at home because I am too skinny and feel anxious to go to the Gym .. I have been doing pull ups and always wondered why my back never activated only my arms and shoulders felt the heat. Thank you for the video 👏🏻🤝🙏🏻🙏🏻
that sucks! Gyms can really feel like intimidating places, and I'm sorry that you feel anxious about training there. While some gyms can be cesspits of toxicity, most gyms really are welcoming and full of some amazing people! Is training in a gym something you aspire to be able to do one day or do you prefer training at home? p.s. glad the video helped you with your pull ups!
@@CaliToTheCrowd I started training at home to build enough muscle to be comfortable enough to apply for a gym.✌️so I do plan to go the gym but just not yet.
I'm 5-5 and 77kg 🙃 I am overweight but this also means that gaining muscle for me is easier. My calves are ready jacked and my chest and arms are blowing up
If you do inverted rows. Do them with your elbows locked up at 90° and pull with just your back. This flexes your arms, not your elbows. When you get to the top squeeze up and flex your back up nice and tight. Soak up a really good 3+ second negative.
If you do need more help, take a look at my Couch To Pull Up Program: www.calitothecrowd.com/couch-to-pull-up-details
getting good vibes from this. no judgement or fearmongering towards bad forms. no secret formula. no unneccesary anatomy essays. instead just useful tips explained in a calm and simple manner. thanks
You know it, Tom! 💪🏿
What the heck is fearmongering
I agree!
@Jahyden so, scaring?
I like this guy
im a 19 year old female who has been doing strength training for about the last 10 weeks and was getting really discouraged over not yet being able to do my first pull up. after watching your video, and then trying again, I realized I had the strength to be able go do one pull up this whole time! the tip about keeping your arms parallel to take the stress off the biceps changed everything. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is unreal. I just shared this on my Instagram because it fully made my day.
For what it's worth though, I just made a YT video. So many watch videos for hours and never take action so good job on you for putting in the work and taking your pull ups to that next level!! 💪🏿
This man still replies even after a year. Good man
Replying to comments is what I do before training. This is what gets me pumped 💪🏿
Well... That and coffee ☕
Hands down the best instructional video for pull ups! I’ve been looking for something like this FOR WEEKS!
That's high praise right there!! Thank you!
Glad it helped 💪🏿
Ive seen way too many videos of how to do a proper pull-up, but yours was the only one that clicked for me. Thank you a lot! That made a world of difference for me!!
You're welcome 👊🏿
Quick, right to the point and informative. I dig it.
Thanks! =]
Music is disengaging.
agreed, punyama
64 and plateaued at 4. Watching your pull up videos, my awareness of my scapulars have finally penetrated my old brain. You’ve taught me the difference between the arch back and hollow body. I’ve decided on the arch back. I’ll try to pay attention to my forearms as well. I’m also on a deadlifting journey as well. Thank you so much from this fanatical mountain biker.
Keep going 💪
You're very welcome! 64 and can do 4 pull ups is an awesome achievement! I'd argue most 20 year olds couldn't do one clean pull up to be honest!
Keep it up 👊🏿
Well done bud. I've been doing "pull up progressions" for nearly a year and I'm getting close to my first clean pull up.
@@glynhannaford7332 you’ll get it !
Wonderful video. Elegant and clear presentation without unnecessary bells and whistles. This helped me realize that I was flaring my elbows, which was making it hard to feel the exercise in my back rather than my arms. Today's workout felt way better and I think it's going to help a lot lookingforward, so thank you!
You're very welcome!
And good on you for actioning the changes! Hope the pull up Wins keep coming! 💪🏿
Probably the most simplistic view on how to improve pull up form. I absolutely love it thank you for the advice
Thanks for the tips. I really love the short format - it's concise and keeps the content clear.
No worries!
Thank you so much needed this, I’ve been doing lat pull down and stuff like that so my back is kinda muscular (for a teen anyway) but my pull ups always felt like more of an arm workout thanks again.
You're very welcome 💪🏿
I would recommend getting a v grip , often used for pull downs or a pair of rings , if you want to build your lats very young people or new trainers don't have mind muscle connection yet, which will come later, there will help ypu grow and force lat activation and isolation faster , plus both will require practice. With both, attach to a pull bar, fir then v grip attachment, just put it over the bar and it will cause close grip large activation of the kits through both the pull and release of the movement and the rings, well they speak for themselves
Pull ups are an arm workout. Pulling involves elbow flexors and humeral extensors. CKC vs OKC is the debate of greater interest. Not this bogus advice from Mr Knows Very-Little
@@1unsung971Top tier clown. Pullups are back movement, arms should only assist.
Stupid 😂@@1unsung971
I watched various videos, trying to understand how to use my back and engage the scapula and your explanations and examples were perfect! Simply stating 'flaring arms' solved everything. Thank you!
This channel has 1M energy. I can feel it. Keep it up Andrew!
Damn! That is high praise! Cheers for the love! 👊🏿
My friend who is also in calisthetics for a long time told me exactly what you said, only your presentation really showed me how that should look. Also trying it out it really helped me make more reps, so thank you for actually making a short and informative video about the proper way to do a pull-up with lats instead of wasting 20 mins on nothing 👍
I gotta say. I tried moving the angle of my arms and this allowed me to finally get my chest to the bar! Thanks man!
This is quality! Good on you for trying it!
bring on the pull up gains 💪🏿
I've been stuck at 12 pullups for like 6 months and it just hurts, not in the good burning way.
I was just flaring my elbows.
Very happy to have found this
That's brilliant! And yeah, I know the feeling. It can be so frustrating to plateau and not know why. Glad to have helped though! 👊🏿
Good video. I am not sure about others, but what has helped me is concentrating pushing my head back away from the bar as I go up. Every other part of my form naturally falls into the proper place. By the way, if you have never filmed yourself, you are not doing what you think you are doing.
Interesting tip, Jake!
I imagine that that would also support with trap activation, as it is the splenius and traps that pull the head back, so this would be a great cue for getting a deeper contraction.
Cheers for sharing this!!!
Finally helped me feel my lats better with pull ups, thanks!
Andrew never misses!
Happy to help!
You explain this better than most other videos I've watched on the subject. Thank you.
And where are his wide lats? Nothing to brag about - he doesn't use lats effectively this way
I went from being able to do 3-5 reps of clean, no kip muscle ups at 250 lbs bodyweight back in my mid-late 20's (easily 15 regular pull ups), to now at 38 years old barely being able to do 4-5 regular pull ups. In the last week I've been motivated to get my pull up strength back but found myself still unable to get it to "feel right"... Thanks so much for the video! I can already feel a big difference!
Btw, the reason for my big loss of strength was that I had a full pec tear right at 30. It was 2 months before I got married, and then we've had 2 kids since then, so of course priorities greatly shifted. But even, say, a year after the surgery and it being healed, I could tell my anatomy just.. changed, compared to before and it even affected my ability to do pull ups (very much changed how things work in my right shoulder). And now, over the years, it's almost like I just forgot how to do pull ups properly lol. This video was a huge help. Thanks again!!
Been struggling with pull ups for years. These advices seem very handy and will definitely implement that next time. Subscribed ❤
Good stuff! Let me know how it goes 💪🏿
2:40 this was extremely helpful, thank you so much!!!
You're very welcome 👊🏿
These are the best pull up techniques I have ever seen. Great job
Brother, I was in the military for four years where our physical fitness tests included pull ups. I feel like I learned more about pull ups in this video than my whole military career. We used to just brute force them to get to that magic number of 20. Gonna take this info now and see what happens. Thanks!
That means so much! Thank you for dropping this comment! It's this sort of stuff that motivates me to keep making videos like this, so glad it was helpful!
Hope the gains keep coming, Cody! 💪🏿
I've been working on achieving chest-to-bar pull ups for months now and felt like I havent made any progress. I just did my first full set simply by fixing my arm flare. Thanks for the tip. Great video
Mate that is phenomenal!
stories like this are literally why I make these videos!
Good on you, Ryan. Hope the pull up gains keep coming! 💪🏿
You don’t know how helpful this is. I have been doing pull ups with flaring arm my whole life and wonder why my lats aren’t activating. This is amazing advices!
once you know, you know! Hope your pull ups go from strength to strength, Faity! 👊🏿
After every pullup session I come back home with a massive bicep pump but no back fatigue, hopefully you can help me fix that! I'll watch it, thanks for making this video!
Very calm explanation. Makes it easy to understand! Instant subscribe
Welcome to the channel!! 🙂
This works! I did everything you mentioned, and I felt the stretch, each pull up felt fuller than ever and the cherry on top was the pump afterwards ;)
the comparison on the flaring arms was very eye opening. thank you very much
You're welcome 👊🏿
It's obvious when you see it which is why it can be so frustrating when it's pointed out but hopefully loads of pull up gains incoming for you 💪🏿
I love the detail, and more importantly, the arrangement of the information you presented here. Each bit of information leading to the next in a logical progression. Very informative.
Thank you very much, Andre! 👊🏿
absolutely fantastic, I know what the proper muscle activation is, but i cant feel it during the exercise and you covered it in 1:49. Love the constant pull up clips throughout the video
Glad it helped! 💪🏿
Best pull up instruction I’ve seen
Thank you! And you're very welcome 👊🏿
What i also like to do is to make more distance between your both arms while making pull ups. If you spread your arms wider, you can activate your latissimo even better.
Nice video, dude. Just short and to the point.
Can not beat catching up with the channel after few weeks away! Love the new music and camera work and editing, well done Andrew, it can be seen that you are growing and getting better plus the content is amazing as always!
Thanks Michael! Hopefully it'll keep getting better all the time!
Simply the best video on lats activation on TH-cam.
That is extremely high praise! Thank you 👊🏿
this is extremely helpful, implemented today and felt my back activating for the first time. thankyou so much
Good tips for a tricky problem. Another tip is to do pullups later on in your exercise routine. I used to start off with pullups (if only because it's the easiest exercise to go straight into), but would invariably be feeling it more in my biceps and shoulders. So by tiring them out first in other exercises, I'd have no choice but to use my back to get over the bar.
You should definitely do pullups first, as you should for most compound movements. If you can't do pullups because your biceps and shoulders are already tired, you will be limiting the amount of training you can do on your back muscles. If you feel that you are using other muscles to compensate your back, you need to work on improving your technique and/or strenghtening your back muscles with different movements.
Yeah i recommend against this. Its like your trying to turn a compound movement into isolation, which could lead to other issues. If you focus on what the man said in this video, this will 90% solve your technique issues.
If anything, maybe do arched backs or rows, so you're aware of what your lats feel like when engaged. You want a similar engagement for your pull ups.
Also, you may want to use bands to unload, so you can get the technique dialed in
Thanks for the great video, learned a lot from this video, Hitting 75 and have gone form being able to do 40 pullups to doing none. Having a lot of bad luck the last couple of years not close to two years not done any weight or Calisthenics. First a very bad burn in my foot, hospital three times a week, then garden season so busy then compression fracture in my spine no lifting for three months and then had to start out very light, so just a month ago started back up. Even at 65 could do bench press of 3sets of 12 reps of 180 lb. and now just doing 3 sets of 16 reps doing 90 lbs. doing more reps less weight till my back gets fully recovered, still painful just getting down on the bench, but slowly getting there. I was unable to do even one pullup, so what you showed should help me a lot. Thank You.
So sorry about the bad luck that you have had with injuries and issues, Hilton!
The good news is that the comeback is always easier than that first time
But if you don't mind me asking, dispite these issues, what would you say has been the main reason that you have stayed in shape for so long?
Most 75 year olds just sit around and yet here you are getting slowly back into pull ups. THIS is my goal - the longevity aspect. So do YOU have any words of advice for me?
Thanks for the help man, I’ve been struggling to progress with my pull ups for months so I can’t wait to see how this will help
Keep going for it! The pull up gains will come 👊🏿
For the last 4 months I’ve been damaging my shoulders, biceps and destroying my brachialis🫣😮💨
These simple tops are a game changer. Thank you so much🙌🏻👌👍🏻
I find that a wider grip gives me that really burn in my lats. Particularly if you have a bar that has a slight angle to it on the ends, like a lat pull-down bar has, then using that grip helps tremendously.
This was brilliant. Best advice I’ve ever gotten for engaging last for pull-ups.
Happy you found it valuable 💪🏿
Great video thanx. U shud mention hand position. Most ppl when they grap the bar end up crunching their hands when they grip the bar. This causes the skin in ur hands to bunch up and therefore u cut off blood supply and they will eventually start hurting and ppl let go as a result.
So placing the BAR between the top of ur hand just below the bottom of ur fingers about 1 inch is where one should grab the bar. One should roll the bar over their hand as they grab it to prevent bounching. U should also mention leg position.
All good tips. I've been doing pullups for a couple of years and am still perfecting my technique. Proper form to engage the lats is crucial. Thanks.
In earnest that is the best mentality; 'always be learning'.
One thing I see with calisthenics is people jumping into weighted pulls too early so good on you for drilling down on working toward better form!
The arm tip is insane, doing gods work.
Amen!
Haha!
simple and no gimmicks,
You just earn another subscriber
Welcome to the Cali Crowd 👊🏿
A well put together and informative video! Thank you! My entire back is disproportionately weak because of how much time I've spent at my computer. With only a few weeks of going to the gym so far, it has indeed been difficult to activate my back muscles properly during reps so this video has found me at the perfect time really. Thumbs up! We're all gonna make it brahs!
Excellent video, bro! I´d never seen these tricks on TH-cam. They make a lot of sense, I´ll try them!
Cheers Leonardo 👊🏿
I had rounded back for a long time that eventually led to breathing issues. My chiropractor said it’s from a combo of poor posture working a desk job + when I did pull ups I always did the hollow version which has a rounded back at the top, so I was essentially cementing a position I already spent way too much time in during work and off work. Just wanted to share
The answer is quite simple & has been known since the 70s (Arthur Jones noted this ) , use a palms up grip (that’s where the magic lies )about shoulder width or slightly less & shrug with your last in the 1sr quarter .the palms down grip places the bicep in the pronated position and is working at its weakest this will tire 1st and that wear you will feel the fatigue ,
This really feels like it will help! I'm a pretty strong guy. I weigh a bit over 200, my deadlift PR is 410 (conventional, raw except for straps), and I SUCK at pullups. I think my PR is 3. It must've been during times when I accidentally did more of an arched-back pullup. My PR on chinups is 11 with a wee bit of cheating. What you describe sounds a lot like rows or bench press. You're retracting your scapula at the correct angle so you're not just using your upper back or going too low and not getting much of anything to pull/push with. It also reminds me of a somewhat cheated overhead press, where people lean back and turn it into somewhat of a bench. The not flairing your elbows is obviously very similar to a bench press as well. You tuck your elbows in during a bench press. I guess I should envision a pullup as a negative rep of a bench press, except my butt does not have a contact point to prop my body up. You can do that with core strength if you're strong and/or light enough, and it's a popular calisthenics move I can't remember the name of, but for pullups, I don't need to.
First of all, those are some serious deadlift numbers (I assume those are in lbs) especially considering the weight relative to bodyweight!
I can't lie to you, pull ups do take some getting used to and you're spot on with teh form cues. At the top of a 'perfect' pull up we do adopt a position akin to a row, the idea being that - yes we want the lats to work during this movement - but we also need the rhomboids, traps and rear delts to put a shift in too.
Is the calisthenics skill you're thinking of the 'Front Lever' by any chance? - I'm trying to learn that too.
In any case, welcome to the channel!!!
This helped me so much! Thank you so much! The difference was immediate and so profound!
You're so welcome, Jaxon!
I've been doing pull ups off and on for about six years and can never seem to progress. The most I've ever been able to do is 10 but most often I can only do about six. And I always have to stop because my arms are tired or sore. Sometimes my back is sore the next day but not usually. Your visualization standing on the ground and bringing your elbows back helped a lot and I'm excited to try it tomorrow. Thanks!
Happy to have been of assistance! It's crazy what little things can make the world of difference!
Hope the pull ups keep improving! 💪🏿
@@CaliToTheCrowd I just got 8x3 a few minutes ago in my workout. And I didn't stop only because of tired arms. Thank you!!
This video really helps me! Thank you so much! It is the first video I watched from your channel but now I want to see more videos you made
Welcome to the channel 😁
The way you explain things is second to none!
Cheers, James!
Bro that makes sense now. Thanks man for the longest I’ve been trying to figure out why my arms was getting worn out before my back I gotta practice this
the phrase 'internally rotating your shoulders' was a light bulb moment for me - can't wait to focus on this.
man, even before i watch the majority of the video, i immediately like this guy because he's fit without being on steroids and he seems chill
Thanks for the love, Jetta! 💪🏿
this is a very high-quality video for such a small channel, i'm surprised. you deserve a sub.
Welcome to the Cali Crowd 👊🏿
Sweet. Ty. The bending the bar tipped is all I needed, it turns out. Maybe that and rows
Great job, Kacper! Go get them pulling gains 💪🏿
Loving the new intro 😍. Great video as always Andrew!
🔊😁
This was really helpful, for me it was especially :
1-Visualizing bending the bar down
2-Keeping the elbows "forward" and the forearm parallel
3-No internal rotation
Love the vibe, to the point, clear explanation, perfect vid ! :)
Cheers, Lucas!
And great summary! Hope the pull ups go well 👊🏿
thank you bro, i had elbow pain after my negative pull ups, after watching your video, i understand i was flaring my elbows all time, thank you bro
no worries - happy to help! 👊🏿
@@CaliToTheCrowd But still, I have the elbow pain, during bending motion, But no pain after full bend or full extension of hand, & sometimes I hear popping or clicking sounds, I think Negative pulls are too high for me, is I should start with Rowing exercise with rings or bar
thanks mate, this is exactly what I have been looking for
Omg you just solved my issue I couldn't put my finger.on why I couldn't feel my back much. I definitely flair out my elbows. Going try this next back day thanks
This helped me so much! Thanks you! I just tried on my door pull up bar and I really felt my lats
Glad it helped 👊🏿
Saw a couple of your video titles and can see your answering questions that others are afraid to ask! I subscribed for the empathetic vibes bro
Fantastic video! Fantastic video making! I get so tired of video that offer information I would like to know, but they can’t make a video any shorter than 15 minutes. Thank you for getting to the point and providing excellent content
Short, snappy - that's the Cali to the Crowd way!
Glad you enjoyed it!
First video I’ve seen from you. Really impressed. Great presentation, great editing and demonstration. Really clear, useful and presumably science-based advice. Very professional. Thanks very much!
Glad you think so, Jules! 👊🏿
That 'forearm' tip is gold.
Thank you.
No worries! 👊🏿
Best video I have seen explaining how to use your back for pull-ups. Thx!
Thanks! And No worries! =]
The change in feeling and sensations was instant. Great video 🔥
Brilliant, Gabriel 💪🏿🔥
I've seen hundreds of videos about pullups technique and guides and nobody talks about this 1:58 tip, i will try this next session, if this actually does something im gonna be shocked and very greateful, coz currently im in a pretty long plateau (about a1.5month of 2 pull days a week, zero reps progress i was at 3sets of 8 and im still at 3sets of 8)
For sure! Give it a try and let me know how it goes!!
💪🏿
@@CaliToTheCrowd Oh my god, it actually worked, my plateau is GONE, all thank to you, it was a massive difference, can't believe it❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 like and subbed, will force my friends to sub too you are the best
@@CaliToTheCrowdit absolutely worked, liked and subbed, words can not describe how grateful i am, this video saved me from myself massively, i did my sets so easily, i can finally increase my reps again, i will watch more, ur a hero to me❤
Seriously, you’re doing the best fitness videos on TH-cam tackling these form issues that everyone else just neglects. I’m really loving your content and you seem to be a very a humble person which is also rare in this fitness industry. Please keep this stuff up!
Greetings from Germany
One small question if you don’t mind: is a arched back pull up also possible with rings? If so, how can I progress towards them?
Wow, thank you! that is very high praise!
Hoping to keep this going for a very long time, so don't worry about me going anywhere =]
In terms of arch pull up, yes you can, but it takes a bit more discipline. With the rings will wobble about and with a bar, it is very easy to know your target (get the chest to the bar).
That being said, it's a lot easier than hollow body pull up on rings!
With both, just try to record yourself to keep up a form check!
All the best man!
I'm so glad this was recommended to me. This is a very helpful video for pull ups!
Glad you found it useful! 👊🏿
love this video, hit a pleateau of around 4x12 on pullups and kept feeling it in my biceps and having them burnout before my back. Turns out they were too flared out. Thanks sm
Brilliant! Bring on the Pull up gains!!!! 💪🏿
Wow, thanks! This is such solid advice! My back doesn't engage with anything, tysm!
Thanks so much bro. I never really felt my lats and turns out I was doing all 3 things wrong. Looks like my biceps were carrying the entire movement. After following these tips, I had a massive pump in my back. Cheers!
Happy to help, Neville 👊🏿
Been struggling with pullups recently. I can do them, but my arms are always burning at the end rather than anything in my back. Will give these tips a try at the gym today, they make a lot of sense. Thanks!
Hope they go well 💪🏿
Wow this is excellent. So calm, clinical, and positive.
Cheers Alex! And happy you found it useful 👊🏿
Gonna try these tips out this week!!
Go for it, Emily!!! 💪🏿
Super helpful brother thank you! Lately my arms have been burning out faster than my lats during pullups but this video clearly explained why
Glad it helped! It is great once you know it! Hope you can apply this in your training and bring on the lat-gains! 💪🏿
Great content, keeping it really simple is the key. Thanks!
100%!
Great video bro! I think you could be a great rapper as well... the background music perfectly fits your voice... 😄
Haha thank you!!
And That's a new one!!! Who knows, maybe the world needs calisthenics rap 🎧🗣️
Great video! Solid advice, especially regarding the elbow flaring - thank you!
Great video! No unnecessary, long intro, no prelude, just straight to the point information with good editing and different camera angles.
Thanks, man. 😊
Are you serious? There's a full minute of completely unnecessary rambling
@theinnerlight8016 Glad you found it valuable. Hope the pull up gains keep coming 💪🏿
@@GoriIIaTactics you're unnecessary 😉
Very good video Sir. Clear info, focus on key points and not unduly technical. 👏
I'm close to doing my first clean pull up at 65 and i reckon your guide will speed up my progress.
Thank you.
65 and still doing things 9/10 people can't do! This is what true fitness is about!
Good luck on your pull up journey and keep me posted on how you're going, Glyn 💪🏿
@CaliToTheCrowd Hey, thanks Andrew, I will let you know.
Cheers G
The dead hang to active hang might be the top I needed. Ima try it on my next back day
Go get it 👊🏿
Best video I’ve ever seen regarding pull-up help. Thank you so much
You're very welcome! 👊🏿
Thank you! These tips immediately engaged my back.
Awesome!!! Now go get them pull up gains! 💪🏿
Superb. Straight to the point and spoken with deep insight. I like it!
You're very welcome! 💪🏿
I think a lot of people can benefit from doing work on a machine lat pulldown with lighter weight initially. Pullups are very intense and difficult for a lot of people. I think it can be easy for people to resort to compensation patterns just to complete a few reps, without gaining a feeling mastery of the movement. I used to be able to do a lot of pullups when I was much younger, but it was more arms than lats, for the reasons he points out (wider elbows). Anyway great video, but a lighter version of the exercise on a pulley machine might work better as a starting point for people who are not that strong initially, to build up to full body pullups with really good mechanics.
Awesome, concise video. Some great cues and simple progressions.
Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found it useful - Thanks 👊🏿
I am 5.5 (short🫠) and 50kg. I was underweight for many years so I have been trying to work out at home because I am too skinny and feel anxious to go to the Gym .. I have been doing pull ups and always wondered why my back never activated only my arms and shoulders felt the heat. Thank you for the video 👏🏻🤝🙏🏻🙏🏻
that sucks!
Gyms can really feel like intimidating places, and I'm sorry that you feel anxious about training there.
While some gyms can be cesspits of toxicity, most gyms really are welcoming and full of some amazing people!
Is training in a gym something you aspire to be able to do one day or do you prefer training at home?
p.s. glad the video helped you with your pull ups!
@@CaliToTheCrowd I started training at home to build enough muscle to be comfortable enough to apply for a gym.✌️so I do plan to go the gym but just not yet.
@@gollotallar6337how old r u??
I'm 5-5 and 77kg 🙃 I am overweight but this also means that gaining muscle for me is easier. My calves are ready jacked and my chest and arms are blowing up
whats yo age
Got the results right from the very first rep... Definitely subbed 👍. Keep up the good work. 😊
Welcome to the Cali Crowd! 👊🏿
earned a subscriber. The visual demonstration for flaring your elbows was very helpful
Welcome to the Cali Crowd, Cam! 👊🏿
If you do inverted rows.
Do them with your elbows locked up at 90° and pull with just your back.
This flexes your arms, not your elbows.
When you get to the top squeeze up and flex your back up nice and tight. Soak up a really good 3+ second negative.
Excellent tutorial. Easy to listen to and understand! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Mike 👊🏿