Pull 4: Pull-up Starter and Grip Strength Builder Workout
🎯 Workout Description:
This session adds more time under tension and introduces scapula pull-ups to start prepping your shoulders and lats for their first real pull-up. You’ll also do some supported vertical pulling while building grip strength and shoulder endurance.
👤 Who It’s For:
Beginner to low-intermediate athletes ready to transition from rows and band pulls into more upright, gravity-based resistance (but still assisted).
🧰 Equipment Needed:
- Pull-up bar or sturdy doorway bar. Check our ▶️ guide to the best pull-up bars.
- Resistance band
Resistance Bands

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Warm-Up
Goal: Prepare the shoulders and core for overhead pulling and scapula activation.
Format: Circuit – 2 rounds, no rest between exercises or rounds
•5x Inchworms with Push-Up
•10x Towel Pass-Throughs
•12x Towel Bent Over Rows
Expect a gentle shoulder opening and core switch-on that preps you for hanging work.

No muscle groups found for this post.
Tips
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Move slowly and deliberately to avoid sudden movements.
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Keep circles smooth and controlled—avoid jerky motions.
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Breathe steadily and deeply to maximize relaxation and blood flow.
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Gradually increase the range of motion as your joints warm up.
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Perform each movement for 15-20 seconds, or until joints feel loosened.
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Customize your routine slightly based on the specific demands of your workout.

Muscle group:
Tips
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Keep your core actively engaged throughout to maintain stability and prevent excessive lower-back stress.
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Walk your hands out progressively further as your strength and flexibility improve.
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Focus on smooth transitions between each phase of the exercise to improve coordination and body control.
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Use controlled breathing, matching each movement phase to inhalation and exhalation cycles.
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Perform regularly as part of your warm-up routine to optimize flexibility, mobility, and upper-body strength.

Tips
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Start with a wider grip if you feel tightness in your shoulders.
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If the movement feels too challenging, switch to a resistance band, which allows more flexibility.
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Perform in front of a mirror to check for excessive arching or compensations.
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Include it in your warm-up routine before upper body workouts, especially if working on overhead movements.
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If you experience pain, stop and reassess your grip width and movement control.

You can also use a resistance band instead of a towel.
Tips
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Keep Your Back Flat – Avoid rounding your spine by keeping your chest up and core engaged.
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Control the Resistance – In self-resisted rows, make sure your non-working arm provides enough tension.
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Squeeze the Shoulder Blades – This maximizes back muscle activation.
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Use a Sturdy Anchor – If using an anchored towel, ensure it won’t slip or loosen.
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Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades: This will help activate the target muscles and ensure proper form.
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Maintain a Slight Knee Bend – This helps stabilize your position and prevent lower back strain.
Strength
Goal: Improve vertical pulling mechanics and scapular control using assistance from bands or feet.
Structure:
•Superset A (3 rounds): Perform A1 + A2 back-to-back, rest 90 sec
•Set B (2 sets): Performed on its own, rest 45 sec
🟦 Superset A:
•A1: Scapula Pull-Ups (or Dead Hangs if not yet ready) – 5 reps or 20 sec hang
•A2: Feet-Assisted Pull-Ups (use chair or floor support) – 6–8 reps
→ Rest 90 sec between rounds
🟩 Set B:
•Resistance Band Shrugs – 15 reps
→ Rest 45 sec between sets
Keep control during scapula pull-ups—don’t rush. For assisted pull-ups, aim to use your upper body as much as possible and just lightly assist with your feet.

Tips
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Keep Arms Straight – Do not bend your elbows; the movement should come only from the scapula.
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Engage Your Core – Helps prevent excessive body movement or swinging.
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Control the Descent – Avoid dropping too fast; lower with control.
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Breathe Properly – Inhale while lowering, exhale while pulling your scapula together.
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Use a Full Range of Motion – Ensure you fully depress and retract your scapula.

Muscle group:
Do it on gymnastics rings or a pull-up bar.
For feet support, you can use a chair, plyo box or a stack of weight plates etc.
Tips
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Use the Least Assistance Necessary – Rely on your upper body first, using your legs only as needed.
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Keep Rings Close to Your Body – Prevent the rings from drifting outward for better control.
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Engage Your Core to Avoid Swinging – Keep your torso tight and stable.
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Control the Lowering Phase – Avoid dropping quickly, focus on a slow eccentric movement.
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Breathe Properly – Inhale before pulling, and exhale at the top.

Muscle group:
Tips
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Keep the Core Tight: Engaging your core helps stabilize your torso, ensuring the movement focuses on the traps.
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Focus on Shoulder Elevation: Avoid pulling with your arms; instead, focus on lifting your shoulders directly upward toward your ears.
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Avoid Rolling the Shoulders: Lift your shoulders straight up and down; rolling the shoulders can lead to improper form and shoulder strain.
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Controlled Movement: Perform the exercise slowly, focusing on squeezing the traps at the top and controlling the descent.
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Breathe Steadily: Exhale as you lift into the shrug and inhale as you lower back down, maintaining a consistent rhythm.
HIIT Finisher
Goal: Build push-pull balance, core endurance, and total-body fatigue resistance.
Format: 4 rounds – 45 sec work / 15 sec rest
→ Alternate between:
•Push-Ups (from knees or full)
•Walking Lunges
→ 4 rounds = 10 minutes
You’ll be tired, but that’s part of the point—learning to keep tension under fatigue builds control and strength for future pull-up work.

Tips
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Body Alignment: Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core and glutes to prevent your hips from dropping or rising.
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Hand Placement: Your hands should be positioned just outside of shoulder-width for optimal stability. Moving them closer or wider will target different muscles.
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Elbow Positioning: Keep your elbows at about a 45-degree angle from your body, not flaring out too far to avoid shoulder strain.
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Breathing: Inhale as you lower yourself, and exhale as you push back up. Controlled breathing improves strength and endurance.
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Controlled Movements: Lower yourself slowly to build strength, then push back up with a smooth, steady motion.

If you don't have a large enough space for walking lunges do Reverse Lunges instead.
Tips
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Maintain Upright Posture: Keep your torso upright and chest lifted throughout the movement. Avoid leaning forward or arching your back.
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Step with Control: Focus on controlled, deliberate steps. Rushing the movement can lead to poor form and injury.
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Knee Alignment: Ensure that your front knee stays aligned with your toes and doesn’t go past your toes as you lunge.
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Push Through the Heel: When you push off to bring your back leg forward, drive through the heel of your front foot to engage your glutes and hamstrings effectively.
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Engage Your Core: Keep your core engaged to help with balance and stability as you move forward.
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Avoid Overstriding: Taking too large a step can cause your back leg to overstretch and may place unnecessary stress on your joints.