Why is it so hard to do a pull up?

Question

Seriously I’m 63Kg and yet when I try my arm’s barely shift no matter how much I strain. Yet I see guys doing it with weights effortlessly lol. Is this normal or am I just very weak upper body wise?

dynamicyandere · Accepted Answer

Men have a easier time with pull-ups because of male hormones boosting upper body strength. But, women can do pull-ups too.

There are female gymnasts and female calisthenics specialists that can do plenty of pull ups. It just takes proper training and time.

You would need to gradually work your way up to doing pull-ups while consuming a diet that allows your muscles to strengthen (you need to be consuming enough protein).

There was a time where I struggled to do even 1 pull up. Now, I can do 18 in a row. It just takes the right training and the right diet and improving gradually over time.

You can practice hanging from the bar (called a dead hang) which will strengthen your grip and ability to hold the bar for longer periods of time.

Then, you can try to raise yourself up to the bar, as close as you can, hold your position for as long as you can, and then lower yourself down. You could repeat that every day (or every other day) until you eventually can complete your first pull up.

There are other ways to transition into doing your first pull-up too like using resistance bands to assist you and what not (which is like the opposite of adding weight because you’re decreasing the resistance).

I hope that helps!

Miristheiss · Accepted Answer

Well, 140 pounds is a lot of weight to move. You need a very developed back to pull that weight. It isn't as hard for men but I'm sure men you see are somewhat fit and only weigh 140 to 210 pounds or somewhere in that range and they have strong backs.

Even football players who lift weights all the time and are super strong can't do a lot of pull ups when it is a lineman and they weigh 280 pounds or 320 pounds. It is the lighter, leaner players that can do lots of them. Those that weight 170 pounds or those that weigh 200 pounds.

Start where you can and get stronger. Bend over and row a weight you can do reps with and work your way up. Do 1 armed dumbbell rows at a weight you can do reps with. Get on a lat pull down machine and pick a weight you can do and start getting stronger. Then one day you'll be able to do them.

To be honest, I'm not aware of any fitness women that lift weights that can do very many. Maybe 1 to 5? I don't know of any women cranking out 20 pull ups. Your back has to be really strong.

pascal_climbs · Accepted Answer

People have the misconception that pull-ups is related to arm strength. The main muscles for pull-ups are the back muscles, and especially the lats. When you hang, the first muscles to flex are the lats. If they are not strong enough, you cannot start the pull-up movement.

valentina4eva · Accepted Answer

no that’s perfectly normal, guys are wayyyy stronger in the upper body, it would be impossible to compete with a guy at pullups😲😲

lightbulb27 · Answer

narrow shoulders, maybe pear shaped or heavier than when you were a teen, and weak core. you are just out of shape, but also not built for it.

A lot of conditioning, and you'll be able to do them. build up slowly. rock climbing be good and work your mind as well.

kellytd · Answer

I think it's just because you probably don't use those muscles in your daily life, so they're weak. No offense intended- you can always get stronger. People who climb, row boats, or do some other activity that uses their arms and back will have an easier time doing pull-ups than someone who doesn't. Also, there are a lot of videos about working up to a pull-up you can find on youtube if you're interested.

ShiftingMonke · Answer

Men have natural hormones that increase muscle mass and bone density; that's why women have to really dedicate time and energy to build incredible mass (without gear) while it's comparatively easier for men to get jacked.

I dont think you're objectively weak; you're just a woman who doesn't lift weights or do other physically demanding tasks. It's very common.

exitseven · Answer

it is like anything else. It takes training. I used to be able to do them with a 45 pound plate chained to my waist. I could not even do one pullup as a fat kid in high school. I got a doorway chin bar and used it every day. Soon I could do one and then two. Finally i could easily do 12.

Babygirl_S · Answer

It's because women have weaker muscles. I can't do those either and I weigh 51 kg. But I don't fret as I'm not trying to become muscular. Perhaps it's fashionable in the West for a woman to have stronger arms. I'd suggest to stop worrying about it.

Bricealan · Answer

Pull ups are difficult to do. I had a Lat Bar in my garage, and periodically did at least 10 pull ups to keep some bicep strength. If not used, you lose it.

rabbitzzz · Answer

You are weak, MILF. But it gets easier with training.

LiamJHayden · Answer

As long as you do not have any joint, muscle, or connective tissue problem, it is just a lack of sufficient upper body strength. Not uncommon among women, or even men of average or more weight who do not work out.

AydenHazor · Answer

It's not easy for guys at first either, it takes a lot of work to build up to them. Try using resistance bands to help you accomplish pullups, and over time use less resistance until you can do them unaided

mstbooblover · Answer

As some here already mentioned, it's only a matter of training. Musscles that aren't used very often tend to get weaker, and that's true for everyone, whatever their gender. Sure nevertheless that the testosterone in men helps.

Truthatanycost · Answer

Isometric pullups will probably help you get there.

AviatorTom · Answer

Arm muscles are usually the weakest muscles in the body, and those are the muscles used for pull-ups.

Rizwan_khan · Answer

Practice make men and women perfect. If you do it consistently you will gain stranth in you shoulder muscles. Just don't stop doing pull up. You can do it by taking some sort of support.

Zayed_ · Answer

Why are your shoulders so broad? are you a tranny?

roy_ricky09 · Answer

Try this...

es20490446e · Answer

I do multiple pull ups. How do you think I started exercising?

Guardian45 · Answer

1/ you're weak 2/ you're a woman NEITHER should stop you with training.

noohair · Answer

The upper body of a man is different from the upper body of a woman. It is biology.

Anonymous · Answer

weak upper body not enough strength in your shoulders back chest abs forearms and arms

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Cause it's all upper body strength

wannabecuck-2 · Answer

Practice more. U can do 10 one day.

Fireguy17 · Answer

that damn gravity!

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