For those who can do pull-ups, how did you get to that point?

[LifeHitMeandRan]

Any pointers on something I'm not training that can help?

I'm in decent shape, though maybe slightly overweight. I am 5'10" and weigh 190lbs. At nearly 32 years old, I can run 2 miles in 15 minutes, can belt out 80ish push-ups in two minutes, can bench almost twice my body weight. Yet I cannot do a single pull-up.

[RingOfFire]

Here's the thing about pull-ups. You have to very gradually work your way up and be very patient. Don't rush it because you can pull a muscle and that will set you back and be very painful.

When you start off you probably won't even be able to do one.

You can do something like standing on a chair to take some of the weight off and even if you can't pull yourself up you can apply a little weight and go through the motions or at least put some tension on the muscles necessary to do the Pull-Ups.

Pull-ups (palms facing you and on the opposite side of the bar) are easier than chin-ups (palms facing away from you) so it's a good idea to start by working on those. Eventually, as you improve, you can do both to get multiple angles on the muscles.

It's a slow process, not only because you're muscles don't have the strength in the beginning but because your body isn't used to that kind of exertion on those muscles. A lot of it isn't so much weakness but just getting used to that motion and feeling.

It may take you weeks of applying that reduced weight and getting used to the bar before you can even do a single pull up.

But after you're able to do your first one it will give you confidence. And you can use a similar slow progression method to get to two pull-ups, then three, then more if you can.

The key is that it doesn't happen quickly. You have to get used to that feeling. And don't push it too hard because you can injure yourself. If you go slowly and do it regularly you will eventually get there.

Another trick is to use flexible bands to support yourself that will make it easier to do a pull-up. But if you have patience, you can do it without that.

[LifeHitMeandRan]

What I was calling pull-ups you actually described as chin-ups. I always have my palms facing away from me. Never occurred to me to even try putting palms facing me. Thanks for the pointers.

[RingOfFire]

Yes, you were doing chin-ups which are a little harder. Starting with pull-ups is probably a better approach. Keep at it and don't overdo it and you will eventually get there.

After you get that first one it really gives you a big confidence boost!

[RingOfFire]

One more thing that I think helps... You can just hang on the bar and bend your knees so that your weight is just hanging. Try doing that for longer and longer times. It gets you used to the feeling which is uncomfortable at first. That's an important part of getting past that point.

[exitseven]

I was a fat kid and could not do one pullup. I bought a dooorway chin bar and every chance I got I tried to do one. Finally I was able todo one pullup. eventually I could do 12 of them and used to do them with a 25 pound weight hanging from my belt.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[Anonymous]

an average male should be able to do a pull up without training, if you have underlying medical issues, are overweight, or malnourished that will prevent you from it, aside from that you should be able to do a pull up

[shortster]

I don't know I was just able to do it. Probably a lot of climbing activities.