Quick Question Pull-ups

[tgzerozone]

Hi, and happy new year to all!

I have a quick question...

If you are not strong enough yet to do your full reps of pull-ups (15 for first 2 weeks), should you either:

a. Do pull-ups until failure

b. Do pull-downs for your full 15 reps

what would be best? I'm leaning towards a?

[Grover]

Try using a assisted pull up machine and slowly reduce weight assistance.

but do as many unassisted as you can to start with.

[Monarchking]

Or

Pull ups

More sets less reps

x2

x2

x2

x2

x2

x2

x3

total of 15

practice is the key I think, I haven't been doing many recently and it shows! But when I was doing them consistently, could rep out heaps more, and weighted.

[Hitro]

I'd start with doing 1 set of max bodyweight pull-ups and then go and do weight assisted with the minimum weight assist as possible.

Another option is set ya target at 15 reps and do as many as ya can in the first set (ie almost to failure), then after a short break (10-15seconds) try bang out the rest. Another break if required and repeat with the aim of trying to decrease the number of 'sets' in takes you to do the 15.

Have done this with the aim of 50 total reps and it use to take me 5 or 6 goes to do em all at but can now do the 50 reps in 3 attempts. Taking me a while to knock it down to 2 but will get there soon as only missing by a couple.

[farrout]

Negatives, however terminate the set WHILE you can still control the movement.

Your elbows & shoulders have to last a lifetime

[pyro]

Don't go to full failure on your first set, all you will do is blow yourself out and be able to do stuff all for the next sets. Drop 1-2 short have your rest and then do another set.

If you are struggling to do a decent set as said above use the machine for assisted pull ups, or have your training partner stand behind you, you cross your legs and bend your knees kicking your heels up so he can hold them and assist that way. Do as many as you can under your own strength before having him help mid way into the set.

[vracula]

Excellent thread , was having the same issue as op.

[Mike Zero]

Do pullups everyday without going to failure for a few weeks.