2d • Training 💪
💪 Why Pull-Ups Feel So Much Harder Than Chin-Ups
A lot of people notice this really quickly:
They can do chin-ups…
But pull-ups feel way harder.
And no, that does not mean chin-ups do not count.
They absolutely count.
In fact, for a lot of people, chin-ups are one of the best progressions toward pull-ups.
🤔 Why chin-ups usually feel easier
Even though chin-ups and pull-ups use very similar muscles, the body position changes the mechanics a lot.
With a chin-up:
• your palms face you
• your elbows stay in a little easier
• your biceps can help more
• it is easier for most people to find a strong pulling path
With a pull-up:
• your palms face away
• your shoulders are in a harder position
• your elbows usually flare a bit more
• your lats and upper back need to do more of the work
• you get less help from the biceps
So yes, both are pulling exercises.
But chin-ups usually give you better leverage.
That is why they often feel smoother and stronger right away.
🧠 Why chin-ups still count
Some people make the mistake of thinking:
“If I cannot do pull-ups yet, chin-ups do not matter.”
That is not true.
Chin-ups help you build:
• pulling strength
• grip strength
• control at the top
• confidence hanging from the bar
• better awareness of how to pull your body up
That is all useful.
If chin-ups are your current strongest variation, then use them.
They are not a shortcut.
They are part of the path.
⚠️ One of the biggest mistakes with pull-ups
A really common mistake with pull-ups is using too much arms and not enough back and lats.
That usually looks like:
• shrugging up
• yanking with the arms
• losing shoulder control
• feeling everything in the elbows and forearms
• barely feeling the back at all
And over time, that can become a problem.
Because if you keep forcing pull-ups with mostly arms and not enough back engagement, that can start leading to elbow irritation and overuse issues.
Not because pull-ups are bad.
Because the pulling pattern is off.
✅ What should a pull-up feel like?
A good pull-up should not just feel like:
“bend the arms and survive.”
It should feel more like:
• shoulders set first
• chest proud
• elbows driving down
• back and lats helping pull you up
A good cue is:
Do not just pull yourself up. Pull your elbows down.
That usually helps people stop overusing the arms.
🔥 A smart progression
If your goal is pull-ups, a really smart path is:
• rows
• chin-ups
• assisted pull-ups
• scap pull work
• controlled pull-up negatives
• full pull-ups
That is a strong path.
There is nothing wrong with building through chin-ups first.
🙌 Final thought
Pull-ups are harder for a reason.
They ask more from your positioning, your back, and your control.
So if chin-ups feel easier, that is normal.
Use them.
Get stronger.
Learn how to pull with your back.
Then build toward pull-ups the smart way instead of forcing them with your arms and elbows.
👇 Question
Which feels stronger for you right now?
• Chin-ups
• Pull-ups
• Rows
• Still building toward all of them
12
22 comments
💪 Why Pull-Ups Feel So Much Harder Than Chin-Ups
skool.com/awesome-ninja-fitness
Master bodyweight strength, skills like handstands & muscle-ups. Build strength, movement, and control while unlocking your full potential! 💪🔥
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
+675
2
+508
3
+495
4
+429
5
🔥
+295
Powered by