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Rear Pull-up

Exercise Profile

Body PartBack
EquipmentBody weight
Primary MusclesLatissimus Dorsi
Secondary MusclesBrachialis, Brachioradialis, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head, Teres Major, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers
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Introduction to the Rear Pull-up

The Rear Pull-up is a highly effective upper body exercise that primarily targets the muscles in the back, shoulders, and arms, helping to improve strength, posture, and overall body control. This exercise is suitable for individuals at various fitness levels, from beginners who can perform it with assistance, to advanced exercisers who can add weight for an extra challenge. People would want to do Rear Pull-ups not only for the physical benefits, but also for the functional benefits it offers in daily activities and sports that require pulling strength and stability.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Rear Pull-up

  • Pull your body up towards the bar, focusing on bringing your elbows down and back, keeping your body straight and prevent it from swinging.
  • Continue to pull yourself up until your chest nearly touches the bar, emphasizing the squeeze in your back muscles.
  • Hold the position for a second at the top to maximize the contraction of the muscles.
  • Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position, maintaining control and resisting the pull of gravity.

Tips for Performing Rear Pull-up

  • **Avoid Using Momentum**: A common mistake is using momentum to pull oneself up. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the exercise but also increases the risk of injury. Instead, use your back and arm muscles to lift your body.
  • **Engage Your Core**: Engaging your core throughout the exercise can help maintain stability and balance. This also ensures that the stress of the exercise is spread across your body and not focused only on your arms and shoulders.
  • **Avoid Rapid Movements**: Performing the exercise too quickly can lead to improper form and potential injury. It's better to perform the exercise slowly and with

Rear Pull-up FAQs

Can beginners do the Rear Pull-up?

Yes, beginners can do the Rear Pull-up exercise, but it might be challenging as it requires a considerable amount of upper body strength. It is recommended to start with assisted pull-ups or other simpler exercises to build up strength before attempting rear pull-ups. It's always important to ensure proper form and technique to prevent injuries. Consulting with a fitness trainer or professional could also be beneficial.

What are common variations of the Rear Pull-up?

  • One-Arm Rear Pull-up: This is a more advanced version, where you use one arm at a time, increasing the intensity and focus on each side of your back.
  • Weighted Rear Pull-up: In this variation, you add weight to your body using a weight belt or a weighted vest to increase the resistance and challenge of the exercise.
  • Negative Rear Pull-up: This variation focuses on the lowering phase of the pull-up, where you take a slow and controlled descent to increase the time under tension for your muscles.
  • Band-Assisted Rear Pull-up: This variation uses a resistance band to assist with the upward movement, making the exercise more accessible for beginners or those working on building their strength.

What are good complementing exercises for the Rear Pull-up?

  • The Bent-over Row is another related exercise as it primarily focuses on the latissimus dorsi, the same muscle group worked during Rear Pull-ups, thereby improving the strength and endurance of these muscles.
  • Lastly, the Lat Pulldown exercise is a great complement to Rear Pull-ups as it mimics the same pulling motion, helping to increase the strength and size of the upper back muscles, which are essential for performing Rear Pull-ups effectively.

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