Band-assisted Chin-up
The Band-assisted Chin-up primarily works the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary activation of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Triceps (Long Head). It is a band compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Band-assisted Chin-up is a beginner compound exercise performed with band, following a vertical pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary engagement of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A band compound pull exercise targeting the Latissimus Dorsi.
| Equipment | Band |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Vertical Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Latissimus Dorsi |
| Secondary | Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
The Latissimus Dorsi is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower), and Trapezius (Middle) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Triceps (Long Head) act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Latissimus Dorsi (back)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Sternal) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Minor (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Posterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Major (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Grab each side of hanging exercise band with both hands.
- Stretch exercise band down and step onto bottom inside of band with one foot.
- Stretch band down further by extending leg straight down.
- Reach up and grasp bar with underhand shoulder width grip while keeping banded leg straight.
Execution
- Pull body up until elbows are to sides.
- Lower body until arms and shoulders are fully extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Free foot can be placed inside of band (as shown) or on top of footin effort to prevent band from slipping from foot.
- At conclusion of set, step down with free foot at bottom of exercises.
- Dismount band by grasping each side of exercise band, stretch exercise band down, and step out.
- Continuing to hold on to each side of band while allowing band to contract to normal length.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Initiate by pulling your shoulder blades down before bending your elbows.
- Avoid swinging or using momentum — control every inch of the range of motion.
- Full range of motion matters: start from a dead hang for maximum lat stretch.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Latissimus Dorsi) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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