Self-assisted Pull-up
The Self-assisted Pull-up primarily works the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary activation of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Triceps (Long Head). It is a none compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Self-assisted Pull-up is a beginner compound exercise, following a vertical pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary engagement of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A none compound pull exercise targeting the Latissimus Dorsi.
| Equipment | None |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Vertical Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Latissimus Dorsi |
| Secondary | Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, 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 Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Minor, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), and Trapezius (Middle) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The 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 Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Infraspinatus (back)
- Secondary Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Minor (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Posterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Major (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Minor (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Stand facing fixed horizontal bar at neck height.
- Grasp bar with wide overhand grip.
- Position feet forward on floor, slightly in front of bar.
Execution
- Lower body under bar until arms and shoulders are fully extended.
- If necessary, use minimal assistance of lower body to control descent, allowing knees and hips to bend, keeping flat on floor.
- Pull body up until chin is just above bar, again with minimal assistance from legs.
- Repeat.
Comments
- If lower body is used for assistance,HipandKneeExtensors muscles are utilized.
- Back extensorsmay be activated minimally as stabilizer through spine.
- Range of motion will be compromised if grip istoo wide.
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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