How to perform Bodyweight Muscle Up with proper form
Setup
- Equipment: Use a sturdy pull-up bar or gymnastic rings.
- Grip: Overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
Steps
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Start Position:
- Hang from the bar/rings with arms fully extended and feet off the ground. Engage your shoulders.
-
Pull Up:
- Initiate the movement by pulling your chest towards the bar. Focus on driving your elbows down and back.
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Transition:
- As your chin passes the bar, lean your torso forward. Shift your wrists over the bar/rings.
-
Push Up:
- Transition into a dip by pressing down with your arms, keeping your elbows close to your body. Extend your arms fully at the top.
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Finish:
- Lock out your arms while keeping your body straight. Hold the top position briefly before lowering yourself back down.
Key Points
- Engagement: Keep core tight throughout to maintain stability.
- Angles: Lean forward during the transition phase to enable the push-up part.
- Practice: Start with pull-ups and dips to build strength before attempting the muscle-up.
Safety Tips
- Warm Up: Ensure shoulder and wrist mobility before training.
- Progress Gradually: Use assisted variations if needed before attempting the full movement.
Always prioritize form to prevent injury.
Exercises

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

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

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

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Deadlift, Barbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Cable
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Band
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms