Pullups (Leg Momentum)...

DegreeZ · 05-27-2009, 08:22 AM

I was wondering if you guys consider using your legs as momentum during pullups cheating? For example, I tend to bring my knees to my stomach during my pullups which make them a lot easier. Should I practice keeping my legs still during this exercise as better form?

Thanks,

T-BarSteak · 05-27-2009, 08:27 AM

personally i never use anything other than the lats for pull-ups if i cant finish a rep i just get as high as i can just using the lats n finish with a good neg, technique wise-legs crossed behind me no jerking, strict pullups! no need to cheat just keep working on them n u will get better!

psychowolverine · 05-27-2009, 08:30 AM

using your legs(kipping) IMHO kind of negates alot of the purpose for doing chins or pullups.

if there is a lack of strength there, then an assisted machine would serve you better for the lat development that comes from pullups.

I like the slow negatives on these as well

ChicagoB5 · 05-27-2009, 08:33 AM

i find myself swinging my legs forward on the last couple reps.

I also do weighted pullups so i dont really mind to much.

If you going to do bodyweight i would do what T-BarSteak said and try to use strict form.

allsweaty · 05-27-2009, 10:01 AM

How many non-cheating pull-ups can you do?

ironwill2008 · 05-27-2009, 10:06 AM

If you're using your legs for momentum, they're know as "kipping" pullups. They take some of the load away from the target muscles (upper back). Don't really know why anyone would want to do them this way, unless they weren't bodybuilding.

T-BarSteak · 05-27-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

If you're using your legs for momentum, they're know as "kipping" pullups. They take some of the load away from the target muscles (upper back). Don't really know why anyone would want to do them this way, unless they weren't bodybuilding.

exactly!

GreenWave1 · 05-27-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychowolverine

using your legs(kipping) IMHO kind of negates alot of the purpose for doing chins or pullups.

if there is a lack of strength there, then an assisted machine would serve you better for the lat development that comes from pullups.

I like the slow negatives on these as well

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

If you're using your legs for momentum, they're know as "kipping" pullups. They take some of the load away from the target muscles (upper back). Don't really know why anyone would want to do them this way, unless they weren't bodybuilding.

^^^This. If you want to grow your back, then don't involve your legs. If you can't do them without kipping, then do slow negatives like psychowolverine recommended.

SquatTilYouDrop · 05-27-2009, 11:37 AM

Good thread and many good posts in here.

They are not optimal but they can serve a purpose.

Kipping can be beneficial for those who are not strong enough to pull themselves up without using momentum. They may aid in helping to develop the pulling muscles so that in time, when strong enough, proper smooth form can be achieved.

mybody001 · 05-27-2009, 01:03 PM

yes they are cheating and negates the purpose of the pull-ups. but if you're more advance, they will serve a purpose for those last couple of reps. they help me get through rep number 22-24. other than that, if you have to use them from rep 1, i suggest use pull-down machine to build a foundation before doing pullups.

atx1975 · 05-27-2009, 01:05 PM

If the primary goal is Lat development then dont kip if the goal is conditioning and overall body strength then kipping is just fine, as kipping is an explosive and coordinated movement its takes skill to perfect the form.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SquatTilYouDrop

Good thread and many good posts in here.

They are not optimal but they can serve a purpose.

Kipping can be beneficial for those who are not strong enough to pull themselves up without using momentum. They may aid in helping to develop the pulling muscles so that in time, when strong enough, proper smooth form can be achieved.