If you are like many people, you are fascinated, in a fearful kind of way, at the thought of trying to accomplish one of the single most important ways to determine one's overall "fitness"...achieve a single, pullup. Not the kind of pull up (or chin up as some people refer to it), that has your legs kicking and flailing around in a fit of painful exertion, but a STRONG and powerful, controlled, drive to the bar. You stand in envy of those you see almost effortlessly raise themselves to the air, seemingly as easy as walking....THAT's what you secretly want you say to yourself, but HOW CAN I LEARN HOW TO DO THAT PULL UP!?
I've been coaching and training people for over 10 years, and the most success I've had with clients building them to their 10 pull up goal, is to integrate progressive bodyweight resistance. What does that mean? It means no weights, we only use their natural bodyweight to build strength and condition them to ultimately do their own full bodyweight pull ups. Not only awesome exercise, it's an incredible way to develop lean muscle and help posture and avoid back pain.
How can you achieve progressive resistance bodyweight pullups? There are a number of ways. If you have a secured pullup bar, you can use a chair, or a partner, but this can be difficult to balance properly and keep the movements smooth. The better way is to use an adjustable bar (such as the super adjustable adjustable bodyweight bar system offered by SoloStrength Lifestyle Products ). It's awesome for full body training and an alternative home gym equipment machine. The reason this works so well, is that your feet can rest on floor and balanced support to reduce resistance and self-spot for for achieving pull ups.
I'll write more on this post tomorrow...hope to see you there on your way to achieving pull up success!
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