Pull-ups vs Chin-ups: The Big Difference

Pull-ups and chin-ups are functional upper-body exercises that build strength in your arms, shoulders, core and back through one pulling movement. But the way chin-ups and pull-ups differ is down to grip, which means how they target your muscles varies, too. In this video, we will cover the key differences between pull-ups and chin-ups, which muscles they target and the benefits of both.

[JamesFischer_]

according to Mike Mentzer, close grip chin up is by far the best biceps exercise. Its much better than ANY of the curl movements because biceps is a 2 joint muscle and curls only activates lower part of biceps whereas chin ups activate both lower part and shoulder connection of biceps.
old but gold.

[cas]

Pull ups are more functional. You wouldn’t climb up onto a ledge using an underhand grip.

[baidajel]

Chin ups = More biceps, Pull ups = More Back

[davepazz]

Pull-ups using gymnastics ring... starting with a pull-up grip at the bottom of the rep, then rotating the hands while ascending until you end up in a chin-up grip at the top of the rep.

[msjster]

I'm female, almost 69 and fit! listen to your body...i began my pullup journey doing narrow grip, palms facing. It was easy on my shoulder. As I got stronger, I started changing the width and the angle... I'm now doing Lhangs with pullups, over and underhand grip! I hang or pull myself on anything I find and just do a few. I even go to a couple of playgrounds where I am the grandma doing the monkey bars! Just do it!

[gdfxjfc]

You cannot go wrong alternating between both pull ups and chin ups, throw some Dips and push-ups to the mix and that’s going to be a beautiful thing when you start a push - pull program doing body weight exercises ⚡️

[eric]

I alternate them in the gym, both adding weight to my belt. I can do 7 or 8 reps in my first set of both variations with a 20Kg plate added to my bodyweight. Not bad for 54!

[fit_ever]

Which do you prefer: pull-ups or chin-ups?

[Exdus]

Hopefully absolutely no one takes this seriously.
The Pull Ups are a back building exercise that unlocks the lats, like no other exercise can. This is ESSENTIAL for a full body program to keep your physique balanced.
Venturing into the harder pull ups, like wide grip and archers, is the best way to ensure a strong a functional back.
Yes, Chin Ups are a good biceps exercise, but so are lots of other exercises.

[PeacePham]

Chin-ups do work on your abs as well. When I was in high school, I got 6 packs from doing chin ups

[luvtig]

I had only did pull ups in the past. But decided to also add an equal set of chin ups to build the biceps and eliminate curls. I do weighted sets for pull ups and chin ups.

[owenwright]

Starting off with chin-ups is a good start for me I can’t do pull-ups so chin-ups are a good movement to start on working your biceps but your still working your whole back

[jimmyjustright]

It depends on what your goals are. I do weighted, wide pull ups and have noticed significant growth in my lats. I only do chins when I also want to target my biceps during a back set. Time is important, so I'm always incorporating supersets or more during a workout.

[noosphericaltarzan]

When I trained calisthenics, I started with pull ups and finished with chin ups. Really: wide grip pull ups, standard pull ups, chin ups, narrow grip chin ups (by then it’s like three reps per set). They are all great, but if I only did one, it was a chin up.

[FitnessLondon]

Both are great to incorporate into your workouts.

[SCALES]

Great core activation as well especially if you maintain a straight posture while performing the movements.

[ChicagoJ]

The biggest issue with chin ups is if you use a doorway pull up bar, there isn’t usually a good grip to use.

The way the bars are constructed, there are usually bars in the way of a good grip. You need a gym, solid bar, rings or some other way to do them. I love chin ups, but it’s hard to find equipment to do them.

[Jaye-dddg]

both pull ups and chin ups should be in your routine as well as the neutral grip variation... you can build a well developed using these 3 exercises alone; master them and you'll build a strength that will translate positively to every lift in the gym - neglect them and you'll likely never even bench 2 plates.

[Bullshittalk]

both are great but i injured my wrist for 4 month by doing chin up on bar and push up combination, thats why pull up is better on bar, but chin up is saver on rings

[baidajel]

guys trust me 3 sets of 12 reps chin ups, 3 sets of 7 sets pull ups will make your upper body aesthetic af