There isn't a secret or magic trick to increasing your pull ups, but it isn’t as difficult as many people believe. You may think that I’m another coach who can’t relate to your situation, but I can. I ... Continue Reading
The Beginner Pull Up Program: Scaling Without Bands
The Beginner Pull-Up Program is designed to help you achieve your first strict pull-up. If you already have a pull-up or two, this program will help you progress your strength toward longer sets and more ... Continue Reading
The Beginner Pull-Up Program: Adding Volume and Variety
The Beginner Pull-Up Program is designed to help you achieve your first strict pull-up. If you already have a pull-up or two, this program will help you progress your strength toward more extended sets and ... Continue Reading
Beginner Pull-Up Series: Negatives and Increasing the Loading
The Beginner Pull-Up Program is designed to help you achieve your first strict pull-up. If you already have a pull-up or two, this program will help you progress your strength toward longer sets and more ... Continue Reading
The Beginner Pull Up Program: Flexed Hang and Ring Rows
The Beginner Pull-Up Program is designed to help you achieve your first strict pull-up. If you already have a pull-up or two, this program will help you progress your strength toward longer sets and more ... Continue Reading
The Beginner Pull Up Program: Hanging and Shoulder Activation
Photo by Bev Childress Photo by Bev Childress The Beginner Pull Up Program is designed to help you achieve your first strict pull up. If you already have a pull up or two, this program will ... Continue Reading
No Failure, Only Feedback
One thing we all learn at a rather early age is that life is full of challenges. The response to challenge puts people into one of two camps: those who rise to the occasion to overcome challenge, and those ... Continue Reading
8 Weeks to Mastering Pull Up Power
Who doesn’t want to be able to crank out multiple sets of pull ups? They are arguably the one exercise that everybody wants to do, and that everybody avoids at all costs. A well-executed pull up is an ... Continue Reading
Say Yes to Banded Pull Ups (But Not for Assistance)
A while back I wrote that banded pull ups were like drugs. Once you start, you have a hard time quitting. For beginners I still agree there are much better ways to learn how to do strict pull ups. But for ... Continue Reading
Successful Pull Ups for Beginners: Say No to Bands
I have a rule when working with new athletes on pull ups. I ask them to “just say no” to bands. Bands are much like drugs in that once a person gets hooked, it is difficult to get them off. You may ... Continue Reading
Coach, I Can’t Do Pull Ups: 7 Tips to Get You There
Pull ups are a basic movement in CrossFit, yet in and of themselves they are an intermediate gymnastic movement. Starting out pulling your bodyweight can seem like an insurmountable task. Don’t fall ... Continue Reading
Why Unpacking the Shoulder in Pull Ups Is Helpful
In this article I'm going to give advice counter to at least 99% of what is out there. When doing pull ups, it is generally indicated to keep the shoulders packed down. That is, to not let them shrug up at ... Continue Reading
Mastering the Chin-Up: 7 Variations to Beat Gym Boredom
It would be easy to start an article about chin-ups by listing the muscles they work, explaining why they’re good (effective test of strength to bodyweight ratio, minimal equipment needed, they look damn ... Continue Reading
Dear Coach: How Do I Keep My Hands From Ripping?
Dear Coach, So I am coach at my CrossFit box and a lot of our athletes have asked about how to avoid, care for, and keep your hands rip free. I seem to tear every time I try to do a hefty amount, no ... Continue Reading
