I’ve noticed over the last month, there is a new workout trend. It is spreading like wildfire. You don’t need to order the DVD or any special equipment. As a matter of fact, I believe every gym has the equipment you need for this exercise. It is called a pull-up bar. The exercise is a “partial” pull-up and it is gaining quickly on the ¼ squat as the most popular exercise in the gym.
It is well known that pull-ups are a great exercise for developing strength. Pull-ups are also a humbling exercise, which is why there is always a bar available at the gym. The combination of these two points is what brings us to the “new trend”. You no longer need to get your chin above the bar, let’s not get crazy, you don’t even need to get your chin to your knuckles. This can be done at bodyweight or you can secure a 45 pound plate to a belt for greater partial gains. This partial upward motion, combined with a lack of extension after each partial rep has transformed a dynamic exercise into an isometric contraction.
We all train to make ourselves better, so let’s stop cheating ourselves. Be a trailblazer and reverse the trend. This is supposed to be a challenging exercise, so stop taking it easy on yourself. Lose the 45lb plate and see how many reps you can perform. Start from a hang position (don’t count the first one if you jumped up to the bar and used the momentum to get you to the top) and pull yourself up to the bar. Your chin should be above the bar (higher than your hands) and your elbows should be close to your ribs. Return to your starting position and repeat. You have taken a step towards improving yourself and your level of performance.
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