How to perform Bodyweight Knees to Elbows with proper form
Setup
- Starting Position: Hang from a pull-up bar with a shoulder-width grip, arms fully extended, legs straight down.
Execution
- Engage Core: Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body.
- Lift Legs: Bend your knees and lift them towards your elbows, driving your knees upward.
- Aim for Elbows: Bring your knees as high as possible, ideally touching your elbows or getting close.
- Controlled Descent: Lower your legs back to the starting position in a controlled manner, avoiding swinging.
Key Points
- Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout.
- Keep your body straight and avoid excessive swinging.
- Breathe out as you raise your knees and inhale as you lower them.
- Focus on engaging your core for maximum effectiveness.
Common Mistakes
- Swinging legs instead of using core muscles.
- Not lifting knees high enough.
- Letting shoulders shrug up towards ears – keep them relaxed.
By following these instructions, you'll ensure that you're performing Bodyweight Knees to Elbows with proper form, maximizing benefits while minimizing the risk of injury.
Exercises

Ab Wheel, Bodyweight
Type: Core
Target: Abs
Synergist: Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Back, Chest

Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back

Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs

Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Bench Dip, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Back, Chest

Bench Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press Close Grip, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest

Bench Press Close Grip, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest