Chin-Up

What it is

This bodyweight exercise is a compound pulling movement that primarily strengthens your latissimus dorsi, or lats, and strongly engages your biceps, forearms, and middle back. You use your own body weight to pull yourself upwards against gravity. This movement is excellent for building overall upper body strength.

Technique tips

• Grip the bar with palms facing you, slightly narrower than shoulder-width.
• Maintain a straight torso with a slight arch in your lower back.
• Keep your chest out and engage your core throughout the movement.
• Exhale as you pull your body up until your head clears the bar.
• Focus on squeezing your biceps and keeping your elbows tucked in.
• Lower yourself slowly and with control, fully extending your arms.

How to track your progress

Log reps, and add the extra load if you wear a belt or a vest. Straddly counts your bodyweight in the estimated max, so added weight and extra reps both show up as progress, and new records are flagged during the session.