Pullup grip style

John Walsh · 08-19-2005, 07:13 AM

I find that I can do pull-ups more effectively with a close grip preferably with a pull bar where my palms can face each other. I also find it easier to kip this way. My question is does it really matter what kind of grip we use when doing pull-ups? I find that when I use the standard grip, slightly more than shoulder width, it feels like I’m pulling 600 pounds. Does this have something to do with my body mechanics or something?

Lincoln Brigham · 08-19-2005, 10:04 AM

Palms-towards uses more of the biceps, while palms-away uses more of the much smaller brachialis.

Carrie Klumpar · 08-19-2005, 01:31 PM

Doesn't matter, except, of course, that typically whatever you least like doing and find most difficult is what you need most.

(I guess that means I should take my own advice and force myself to do palms-in pull-ups at least some of the time.)

Larry Lindenman · 08-19-2005, 02:40 PM

I try to mix it up, I find the regular pull-up easier (probably due to my gymnastics background). When doing 100 or some other insane number I generally do 10 regular, 10 chinups, 10 mixed, 10 mixed other way...repeat.

Daniel Hinds · 08-19-2005, 05:56 PM

it does matter,

and some info pull ups are palms away and chin ups are palms towards the face

when u do chin ups you get some more help from the biceps but when u do pull ups u have to use your lats more

in addition the wider the pullups work the lats more too

Beth Moscov · 08-19-2005, 06:17 PM

Do all the variants you can think of. Mix it up.

David Birozy · 08-19-2005, 06:54 PM

I do the same thing as Beth. I change it all around depending on how I feel. I also find that changing it around tends to keep me from getting tendonitis in my elbow (Golfers Elbow).

Nic Nakis · 08-19-2005, 10:07 PM

When I was in high school, I was a "poolie", one of the kids rip-roaring to join the Marines on their 18th. We got in a lot of discussions about pullup form, but I learned best by doing.

Do them with your palms facing away and all the swing you got. You will get stronger that way and ultimately be able to put up bigger sets than anyone else, no matter what form the rules require.

Michael Keller · 08-20-2005, 07:04 AM

I agree with Nic. You gotta do them to learn them. I do all kinds of different grips and widths, both kipping and dead hang. They are all important for various needs, and each grip builds strength and endurance in a different way. Variety is the key.

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08-19-2005, 07:13 AM	#1
John Walsh Banned Profile: Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boston MA Posts: 467	I find that I can do pull-ups more effectively with a close grip preferably with a pull bar where my palms can face each other. I also find it easier to kip this way. My question is does it really matter what kind of grip we use when doing pull-ups? I find that when I use the standard grip, slightly more than shoulder width, it feels like I’m pulling 600 pounds. Does this have something to do with my body mechanics or something?

08-19-2005, 10:04 AM	#2
Lincoln Brigham Member Profile: Join Date: May 2003 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 3,987	Palms-towards uses more of the biceps, while palms-away uses more of the much smaller brachialis.

08-19-2005, 01:31 PM	#3
Carrie Klumpar Member Profile: Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Seattle/Redmond WA Posts: 461	Doesn't matter, except, of course, that typically whatever you least like doing and find most difficult is what you need most. (I guess that means I should take my own advice and force myself to do palms-in pull-ups at least some of the time.)

08-19-2005, 02:40 PM	#4
Larry Lindenman Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chicago Illinois Posts: 2,769	I try to mix it up, I find the regular pull-up easier (probably due to my gymnastics background). When doing 100 or some other insane number I generally do 10 regular, 10 chinups, 10 mixed, 10 mixed other way...repeat.

08-19-2005, 05:56 PM	#5
Daniel Hinds Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: No.1 Durants, Holders Hill St. James Posts: 13	it does matter, and some info pull ups are palms away and chin ups are palms towards the face when u do chin ups you get some more help from the biceps but when u do pull ups u have to use your lats more in addition the wider the pullups work the lats more too

08-19-2005, 06:17 PM	#6
Beth Moscov Member Profile: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boulder Creek CA Posts: 1,269	Do all the variants you can think of. Mix it up.

08-19-2005, 06:54 PM	#7
David Birozy Member Profile: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Corona CA Posts: 114	I do the same thing as Beth. I change it all around depending on how I feel. I also find that changing it around tends to keep me from getting tendonitis in my elbow (Golfers Elbow).

08-19-2005, 10:07 PM	#8
Nic Nakis Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 348	When I was in high school, I was a "poolie", one of the kids rip-roaring to join the Marines on their 18th. We got in a lot of discussions about pullup form, but I learned best by doing. Do them with your palms facing away and all the swing you got. You will get stronger that way and ultimately be able to put up bigger sets than anyone else, no matter what form the rules require.

08-20-2005, 07:04 AM	#9
Michael Keller Member Profile: Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 297	I agree with Nic. You gotta do them to learn them. I do all kinds of different grips and widths, both kipping and dead hang. They are all important for various needs, and each grip builds strength and endurance in a different way. Variety is the key.