Upper back exercises

Mixed-grip Chin-up

Also known as: Traction en prise mixte · Έλξεις στο μονόζυγο με μικτή λαβή · Mixed Grip Chin · mixed grip pull-up

Primary
Upper back
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Advanced
Type
Compound
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Mixed-grip Chin-up

  1. Using a spacing that is just about 1 inch wider than shoulder width, grab a pull-up bar with the palms of one hand facing forward and the palms of the other hand facing towards you. This will be your starting position.

  2. Now start to pull yourself up as you exhale. Tip: With the arm that has the palms facing up concentrate on using the back muscles in order to perform the movement. The elbow of that arm should remain close to the torso. With the other arm that has the palms facing forward, the elbows will be away but in line with the torso. You will concentrate on using the lats to pull your body up.

  3. After a second contraction at the top, start to slowly come down as you inhale.

  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

  5. On the following set, switch grips; so if you had the right hand with the palms facing you and the left one with the palms facing forward, on the next set you will have the palms facing forward for the right hand and facing you for the left.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–46–151.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Upper back

Secondary

Biceps, Lats

Rhomboids, mid traps and rear delts hold your shoulder blades in place. Rows, face pulls and reverse flyes build thickness and healthier shoulders.

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