Supinated Grip Pull-Up

Demonstration video

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How to do Supinated Grip Pull-Up

Instructions

  • Grab the pull-up bar with a supinated (underhand) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  • Hang fully extended with your arms straight and legs off the ground.
  • Pull your chest toward the bar by contracting your back and biceps.
  • Pause briefly at the top when your chin clears the bar.
  • Lower yourself in a controlled motion back to the starting position.

Technical Tips

  • Avoid swinging or using momentum.
  • Engage your core throughout the movement.
  • Keep elbows close to your body during the ascent.
  • Retract shoulder blades at the start of the pull.

Breathing Tips

  • Inhale at the bottom while hanging.
  • Exhale as you pull yourself up.
  • Inhale again while lowering to the starting position.

Medical restrictions

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Elbow tendinitis
  • Wrist joint issues

Description

The supinated pull-up, commonly known as the chin-up, is a foundational bodyweight exercise that builds upper body strength and muscle mass. Using an underhand grip, this movement emphasizes the biceps and latissimus dorsi more than traditional pull-ups. Chin-ups are a staple in strength training, calisthenics, and functional fitness routines due to their effectiveness in developing pulling strength and muscular coordination. Because the grip places the elbows in a more favorable position, many find chin-ups slightly easier than overhand pull-ups, making them suitable for progression. This exercise also contributes to improved posture and upper-body control. Regularly incorporating chin-ups helps develop muscle endurance and pulling capacity, making it beneficial for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone pursuing a strong upper body.

Read more
The supinated pull-up, commonly known as the chin-up, is a foundational bodyweight exercise that builds upper body strength and muscle mass. Using an underhand grip, this movement emphasizes the biceps and latissimus dorsi more than traditional pull-ups. Chin-ups are a staple in strength training, calisthenics, and functional fitness routines due to their effectiveness in developing pulling strength and muscular coordination. Because the grip places the elbows in a more favorable position, many find chin-ups slightly easier than overhand pull-ups, making them suitable for progression. This exercise also contributes to improved posture and upper-body control. Regularly incorporating chin-ups helps develop muscle endurance and pulling capacity, making it beneficial for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone pursuing a strong upper body.

Credits

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • What muscles do chin-ups primarily target?

    Chin-ups primarily target the biceps and the back, especially the latissimus dorsi, making them effective for upper body strength development.
  • Are chin-ups easier than pull-ups?

    Yes, chin-ups are generally easier than pull-ups due to the underhand grip, which places greater emphasis on the biceps and provides a more natural arm position.
  • Can beginners do chin-ups?

    Beginners may find chin-ups challenging, but using resistance bands or assisted pull-up machines can help build the necessary strength to perform them.
  • How should I grip the bar for a chin-up?

    For a chin-up, grip the bar with your palms facing you (supinated grip), typically shoulder-width apart to ensure balanced muscle activation.
  • Do chin-ups help build bigger arms?

    Yes, chin-ups are highly effective for arm hypertrophy as they strongly activate both the biceps brachii and the brachialis.
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