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Last updated March 30, 2026
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Chin Up
Grip the bar with palms facing you. Pull your chin over the bar. This hits the lats effectively but involves the biceps more than a pull-up.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
lats
Secondary
biceps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
pull up bar
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Hanging
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Find a pull-up bar that is sturdy and at an appropriate height for you.
- Stand beneath the bar and reach up to grab it with both hands, using an underhand (supinated) grip.
- Step 2Grip the Bar
- Position your hands shoulder-width apart on the bar.
- Ensure your palms are facing you and your grip is firm.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Before you start the movement, engage your core and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- This will help stabilize your body during the chin-up.
- Step 4Hang from the Bar
- Let your body hang freely from the bar with your arms fully extended.
- Keep your legs straight or slightly bent, and avoid swinging.
- Step 5Pull Yourself Up
- Begin the movement by pulling your elbows down towards your sides.
- Focus on using your back and biceps to lift your chin above the bar.
- Step 6Reach the Top
- Continue pulling until your chin is above the bar.
- Hold this position for a moment to ensure control.
- Step 7Lower Yourself Down
- Slowly lower your body back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
- Maintain control throughout the descent to avoid dropping.
- Step 8Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining good form throughout each chin-up.
- Step 9Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully step down from the bar if necessary.
- Take a moment to stretch your arms and shoulders after the exercise.