How to perform Bodyweight Chin Up with proper form
Starting Position
- Grip: Use an underhand grip (palms facing you) on a pull-up bar, hands shoulder-width apart.
- Hang: Start from a dead hang with arms fully extended and legs crossed behind you, engaging your core.
Execution
- Pull-Up: Begin the movement by engaging your lats and biceps. Pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar.
- Elbows: Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull up. Avoid flaring them out.
- Shoulders: Drive your shoulders down and back as you lift your body.
Top Position
- Chin Above Bar: Hold your chin above the bar for a brief moment, maintaining tension in your muscles.
Descent
- Controlled Lowering: Lower yourself slowly and with control until your arms are fully extended again.
- Avoid Swinging: Keep your body straight and avoid using momentum.
Breathing
- Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale while pulling up.
Tips
- Keep your body straight, engage your core, and focus on smooth, controlled movements.
- If you struggle to complete a chin-up, consider using an assisted chin-up machine or resistance bands for support.
Common Mistakes
- Arching the Back: Maintain a neutral spine.
- Swinging: Keep the movement strict and minimize swinging for better muscle engagement.
Progression
- Aim to increase the number of reps as you build strength. Consider varying grip width to target different muscles.
Exercises

Bent Over One Arm Row, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms, Chest

Bent Over Row, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bent Over Row, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bent Over Row, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bent Over Row, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bent Over Row, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bent Over Row, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Bicep Curl, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Bicep Curl, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Bicep Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Bicep Curl, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Bicep Curl, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Bicep Curl, EZ Bar
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Cable Crossover, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders

Cable Pull Through, Cable
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes
Synergist: Back, Hamstrings

Chin Up, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Chin Up, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Concentration Curl, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Concentration Curl, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms

Concentration Curl, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Biceps
Synergist: Forearms