Pull Ups and Chin Ups - When to add weight

[vaBuckeye]

Just a few months ago I was using the assisted pull up and chin up machine because I couldn't do any unassisted. Today I'm able to do 8 pull ups and 10 chin ups unassisted and with good form. I was wondering at how many reps with just body weight should I then add some weight?

[Force0fWill]

You can go wrong with the 8-12 rep range.

As you hit 12 repetitions performed with good form, you'll likely be able to do 8 with an extra 10-15 pounds. Then just work your way to 12 again and repeat.

[discdoggie]

You can add weight now, if you like, or
Go for more bw'd reps or both.


I'll do a set of bw to failure (14-17)
One set bw + 25/6-8
One set bw + 45/1-3 depending, lol
One more set bw to failure.



Yay for pull-ups!

[bodyhard]

Now is the time.

[tornmuscle123]

You can add weight now, if you like, or
Go for more bw'd reps or both.


I'll do a set of bw to failure (14-17)
One set bw + 25/6-8
One set bw + 45/1-3 depending, lol
One more set bw to failure.



Yay for pull-ups!

I like doing a max bodyweight set first as well - do I get 3x+ the credit for my pullups disc?

[QuickDad]

Pull ups are a funny one for me...I can knock 10 or so, but as soon as I struggle with a rep, the next set is a killer. This happens with just body weight or weighted.

[drudixon]

Kinda depends I think. Now that I'm weighing less than usual, I'd like to get up to 30 pull-ups, so each week I just add a few more. Depends on your goals really. My mass adder for lats isn't pull ups, so I don't mind doing high rep pull ups.

[discdoggie]

I like doing a max bodyweight set first as well - do I get 3x+ the credit for my pullups disc?

I have to see a vid of your form first!

[tomsfish]

whatever rep range and sets you are working with on other lifts,treat these the same.
if you up the weight on things when you get to 3 sets of 8-10.then up the weight when you get to 3 sets of 8-10.

[martoch]

Pullups are probably one of my weakest exercises! I should be asking about tips for doing them.

I have to see a vid of your form first!

Hey discoggie, clean up your inbox! Trying to PM ya.

[discdoggie]

Pullups are probably one of my weakest exercises! I should be asking about tips for doing them.



Hey discoggie, clean up your inbox! Trying to PM ya.

Okay. . Give me 20 minutes please, then fire away!

[anonymous]

Usually never, if your primary goal is bbing. Slow, squeezed chins or pullups with a slow negative are brutally hard as it is and very hard to keep the scaps depressed.

Adding weight is fun but its almost always for ego, choppy reps and I don't like heavy chins effect on my bicep tendons.

I used to knock off full range chins with 3 plates, now, just bw or even feet up on a bench to focus just on the back contraction

[EPMD]

I find it easier to make incremental progress on chinups by adding weight than by adding reps. Adding one more rep often requires a sacrifice of form...or at least that's what I've experienced.

[Richie71]

I find it easier to make incremental progress on chinups by adding weight than by adding reps. Adding one more rep often requires a sacrifice of form...or at least that's what I've experienced.

Yeah, agree. I had a time just trying to add reps, but then thought: why treat pullups differently from any other exercise? I don't keep the weight the same and add reps to other exercises, so why here? Up to 12 wide pull ups with 5kg added now, or 4 with 20kg added.

[ironwill2008]

Just a few months ago I was using the assisted pull up and chin up machine because I couldn't do any unassisted. Today I'm able to do 8 pull ups and 10 chin ups unassisted and with good form. I was wondering at how many reps with just body weight should I then add some weight?

It's a function of using enough weight to keep you in whatever rep range you've found to work best for your back muscles.

Like Halfway mentioned (and as with all exercises), don't let adding weight cause your form to go out the window. If you want to try adding some weight, get a Dip belt and strap up a 25 pound plate and see how many full-range reps you're able to get. Then go from there.

[discdoggie]

Adding weight is fun but its almost always for ego,

Lol. Sorta true.

[billrich210]

I am still on BW pulls. I do 5 wide grip and 5 chins as a set of 10. 5-6 sets per workout. I am 225 atm and still pulling it, working toward 210 and may try some added weight.

[mcruzer]

You can definitely make the move to added weight. A couple of things though as weighted sets are different than body weight sets. As you move up in weight, never go to failure on your early sets. Always keep "something in the tank" for the next set. In addition, extend your rest time between sets. I take roughly 4 min between sets. You will thank me for it. Also, lower volume sets are fine as you move up in weight. Reps of just 5 as you progress are more than adequate.

[Guinea-pig]

Usually never, if your primary goal is bbing. Slow, squeezed chins or pullups with a slow negative are brutally hard as it is and very hard to keep the scaps depressed.

Adding weight is fun but its almost always for ego, choppy reps and I don't like heavy chins effect on my bicep tendons.

I used to knock off full range chins with 3 plates, now, just bw or even feet up on a bench to focus just on the back contraction

Yep!

With a good release at the bottom.

[rgwinn]

Pullups are probably one of my weakest exercises! I should be asking about tips for doing them.



Hey discoggie, clean up your inbox! Trying to PM ya.

You are in the same boat I am, tall and heavy. I have struggled with Pull ups my entire life, so I have made it a goal to get better at them;

I started with the assisted machine at my gym, reducing the assistance weight over time.

I also use bands on my pull up tower at home

And I do negatives, stand on a step stool, hang for a few seconds, then slowly lower myself down.

I can now do 10 chin ups, and 3 wide grip pull ups. Working up to 12 pull ups, then I will add weight.

I am also doing standard military press twice a week.

I do Stronglifts 5x5 3/week and on my between days I do Dips, Pull-ups, Push-Ups, and Leg lifts all at body weight.

It took me 4 months to get to the 10 chin ups.