Neutral Grip Pull-Up

Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
pull up bar
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A pull-up variation using a neutral hand position (palms facing each other), balancing between overhand and underhand grips for comprehensive back development.

Instructions

  1. Grip a pull-up bar with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) using specialized handles or a closer hand position on a pull-up bar.
  2. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended and feet off the ground. This is your starting position.
  3. Pull yourself upward by driving your elbows down and back, engaging your back muscles.
  4. Continue pulling until your chest is at or near the level of the bar.
  5. Squeeze your back muscles at the top position, holding for a moment.
  6. Lower yourself under control back to the starting position with arms fully extended.
  7. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • The neutral grip is easier on the shoulders compared to overhand grips.
  • Keep your body relatively straight, with only minimal swinging.
  • Focus on pulling with your back rather than your arms.
  • Drive your elbows down and back, not straight up.
  • Maintain constant tension throughout the entire movement.
  • Perform this variation 2-3 times per week for optimal results.
  • Add weight when bodyweight becomes too easy using a dip belt.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps
Gain strength 3 7 reps
Build muscle 3 10 reps
Build endurance 3 14 reps

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about bent-over row reverse-grip (barbell)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Chest-Supported Incline Row (Dumbbell)

Learn more about chest-supported incline row (dumbbell)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength