question on pullups.

[sumusiko]

Hello i do the kind of pullups that you see the in arnold picture posted 100 bazillion times in bb.com.

but i have a question whats better for best results?

Using only body weight? so by this i mean high reps , 3 sets

or

Using Body Weight + Extra Weight? so by this i mean low reps, 3 sets.

[chazzy1864]

Use whatever method allows you to fail in your desired rep range.

Tailor your exercises to your goals, not the other way around.

[SgSpartan]

Chazzy made a good point. What is your goal? For me, I have annual military fitness tests to clear, so I want to be able to do plenty of BW pull-ups. Hence, I train with an eye on that; although I do 3x5 weighted pull-ups too.

[gymcandykid]

Like chazzy said you want to hit your desired rep range so do what version lets you do that.
Also if you want to put an emphasis on different spots of the back then use different grips...
Wide,Close,Neutral.

Wide grip is going to hit more inner back (It may feel like its hitting the outter but thats just the stretch)

Close grip is going to hit more outter

[camaro93zzz]

Can you do more than 12 bodyweight pullups? If so, I would add weight so that you don't do more than 12. But that's what I have always been told. Do up to 12, then add weight.

[etkillah]

I'm a big pullup fan have always loved them. I worked my way up to doing 5 sets of 5 BW pullups then I started adding weight. Went up to 25 lbs added, after a while got up to 5 x 5 /w that weight, and moved up to 45 where im at now. I can get 2-3 sets of 4-5 usually /w the 45 but just fade out fast after that, but ill get it eventually.

[dryeyes]

Like chazzy said you want to hit your desired rep range so do what version lets you do that.
Also if you want to put an emphasis on different spots of the back then use different grips...
Wide,Close,Neutral.

Wide grip is going to hit more inner back (It may feel like its hitting the outter but thats just the stretch)

Close grip is going to hit more outter

More outter = more lats ? Am I wrong?

[chazzy1864]

The reason people think real wide grips = hitting outer lats more, is becuase it emphasizes the teres muscles (the very top corner of your back connecting to your shoulders).


As far as the lats go, it doesn't emphasize them more. Using a moderate width seems to be best for targeting the bulk of the lats.