Side To Side Chins

What it is

This exercise is an advanced pull-up variation that dynamically works your upper back and arms. You will shift your weight to each side as you pull yourself towards the bar. It primarily targets your latissimus dorsi, or lats, for a strong back. Your biceps, forearms, and shoulders also contribute significantly to the movement.

Technique tips

• Use a wide, overhand grip with palms facing forward.
• Begin by leaning back slightly, chest out, with a slight arch.
• Pull your torso up and lean to one side, bringing your chest near the bar.
• Exhale as you pull up and squeeze your back muscles at the top.
• Control your descent back to the starting position.
• Avoid swinging; keep your upper torso stable throughout the movement.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.