Parallel Close Grip Pull-up
The Parallel Close Grip Pull-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 bodyweight compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
The Parallel Close Grip Pull-up is a intermediate compound exercise requiring no equipment, 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 bodyweight compound pull exercise targeting the Latissimus Dorsi.
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| 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
- Step up and grasp parallel bars.
Execution
- Pull body up until elbow are to sides.
- Lower body until arms and shoulders are fully extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Easier.
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.
| 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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