Why Pullups Are the Best Bodyweight Exercise For Upper Body Strength

If you are looking for a great way to build upper body strength look no further. The pullup is one of the best bodyweight exercises you can do to add strength to your upper body. It has versatility to work a wide range of muscles from your lats and biceps to the rear delts and even your abs. Here are a few variations of the pull-up to build muscle and strength in your body fast.

Do Pullups instead of Seated Pulldowns

One reason the pullup is often neglected by many in favor of the pulldown machines in the gym is because most people simply aren't strong enough to do a pullup. Don't get caught in the trap of sticking with the pulldown machines and never advancing to pullups because those exercises aren't even in the same league. Pulldowns isolate your upper back more and the rest of your body so there isn't much stabilization work going on in your abdominals. If you can't do a full pullup you are better off starting off with the pullup assist machine because that will at least require more work from your stabilizer muscles.

Do Pullups at Home

Pullups can be done at home very easily and if you don't have a place to put a bar I suggest getting an Iron Gym Pull-up bar because it easily fits into just about any door frame. Once you have a pullup bar in place at home you can do them several times per week just taking a few minutes out of your day to complete a few sets.

Do a wide variety of grip styles to develop the upper back muscles from all angles. Do a chin up using a reverse grip to put the biceps into a stronger position which can be helpful if you are new to pullups. Chin ups are great for developing bigger arms and will build muscle fast on the biceps.

Some bars have grips facing in allowing a grip where the palms face each other. This is another excellent variation for building upper body muscle. The standard wide pull up grip is the most difficult and requires very strong biceps. Make sure to start the movement by pulling with the upper back muscles instead of the arms. This takes some practice but if you think of pulling back with your elbows it may help you make the mental connection. Form is key here so that you don't tire out the biceps before the back gets worked hard enough.

Bodyweight Exercises for Muscle and Weight Loss

Bodyweight exercises are a quick way to build muscle and lose fat. They are the foundation for boot camp workouts and everyone knows that 13 weeks on Paris Island training Marines gets them lean and in shape very quickly. Add bodyweight exercises to your fitness routine for a total body workout.

The Best Bodyweight Exercise Program

Click here to learn more about the Best Bodyweight Exercise Program available that you can do at home.

Rick Porter is an online fitness consultant with 20 years experience helping others achieve their fitness goals.

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