Chin Up vs Pull Up

Pull Up - Wide grip, palms facing away from you

Pull Up - Wide grip, palms facing away from you

What is the difference between a chin up and a pull up?

Not a lot.

They are both compound exercises that work the upper body. Basically, the difference lies in the grip. A chin up uses a narrow grip with your palms facing towards you. A pull up is typically a wider grip with palms facing away from you. So which is best?

They both have their advantages. They work similar muscle groups, just in slightly different ways. You should use both varieties throughout the year.

If all you want is to do as many repetitions as you can, then by far the strongest grip is neither. The ‘hammer’ or neutral grip is in fact the strongest. This is where the palms are facing each other – usually about 15cm apart.

Chin Up - closer grip, palms facing towards you.

Chin Up - closer grip, palms facing towards you.

Do one pull/chin variety until your body starts to adapt, then change. Once you get used to, or sick of, all three then you can start changing other variables: tempo of the lift, angle, width of grip, repetitions, sets, total volume etc.

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12 Responses to “Chin Up vs Pull Up”

  1. Abrams Says:

    Hey, nice post, really well written. You should blog more about this.

  2. Green Says:

    Great post, thanx.

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  9. omid Says:

    THX for explain

  10. Shoulder Injury Prevention Guide Says:

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