Pull-Ups OR Chin-Ups? (CHOOSE WISELY)

The Pull-Ups Vs Chin-Ups debate is common in calisthenics. Both exercises work similar muscle groups including the back and biceps. The main difference being pull-ups are performed in pronated grip and chin-ups with a supinated grip. The similarities cause confusion and people often want answers concerning which is better.

Today's FitnessFAQs video will discuss technique, progressions and the best exercise for you. We will also chat about bar vs rings, covering the pros and cons of each equipment option.

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[ScottBurnhard]

BOTH THATS THE SIMPLE ANSWER!! and then add WEIGHT!

[jorgegonzalez]

I love pull ups, a year ago i couldn't get one properly done, now i can do 10 in a row, which is huge for me!

[MikeDG]

"pull up or chin up?"
*NEUTRAL GRIP*

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[angjelohyko]

This guy did more pull ups and chinups than i have ever done in my life

[adrianahaverhoek]

Chin ups are underrated. I hear men in the gym saying they are going to train their back and biceps and they skip the chin ups. Chin ups are easier than pull ups, but that doesn't mean they are of less value. Also full rom chin ups from dead hang without kipping and using momentum aren't even easy. A lot of men can't do them or only a few with good form. I like chin ups a little bit more than pull ups, but I train both during a pull work out. Both are great pull exercises.

[adelazeem]

People: pullups or Chinups?
Fitnessfaq: *yes*

[Amenyo]

I prefer chin ups because it's easier for me to perform as a beginner, compared to pull ups, but as i consistently performed both exercises for 2 months (december 2020 till now) both have become manageable, less strenuous and quite enjoyable.

[fattyacid]

Me: Pull-ups or Chin-ups?
Elbow: Golf or Tennis?

[capt]

Hey Daniel just wanted to say thanks for all the information and attention to detail you put into these videos for all of us viewers. Every video I have watched of yours you have never beat around the bush or left out details leaving us guessing, you always put forth so much effort and I really appreciate the countless hours of studying I have done with ur videos alone. Ur a huge inspiration and I hope one day I will be at the level you are at and hopefully one day we will cross paths, keep up the amazing work and again thank you for everything you do!!!

[SEAKPhotog]

Wow, Terrific video. Your discussion of tendon pain and injury avoidance was spot on. It's great to see this important topic so thoroughly and helpfully discussed although I find chin-ups less painful for my tendons than pull-ups (with neutral grip probably the least painful). Thank you!

[TheMaleRoleModel]

When I first started working out 10+ years ago. I remember telling someone chin-ups works the biceps and pull-ups works the triceps. 😂

[raplopez]

4:29
The most important advice in the entire video.

[MCRideFan]

I used to be so big into chinups. I could do 15 in a set (which I thought was impressive.) I later learned that pull ups were easier on my wrists so I worked on those instead. We at 22 now 💪

[justinharmon]

Variety in training is always good, do ALL variations of the movement

[markbreunig]

Great resource. As the video says, I definitely recommend neutral grip with rings/rotating handles - I recently used this technique while recovering from tendonitis, and was a great aid in my recovery.

[peterlowry]

Once again, Fitness FAQs knows exactly what question I'm asking myself.

[leean]

I used to neglect chin ups, which results in a strong back and lever, however, it's been quite a toll on me when it comes to solely Biceps strength such as doing hefesto and such. Both should be balanced out in my opinion

[hookbolt]

I believe that chinup is always a better bank for the buck due biceps and chest activation. Chinup paired with rows is an excellent way to build a strong back but pull-ups with rows you will miss on the biceps and chest gains.

[CaHgO]

I do 4 sets of 10-12 pull-ups, 4 sets of 10-12 pull-ups with neutral grip, and 4 sets of 10-12 chin-ups. I find this the most effective way of targeting all muscles, and progress from pronated, to neutral, to supinated feels the most natural. It also makes it challenging, because (for me at least) I start with the hardest and finish with the "easiest" pull. Now I am starting to add weight and lower the number of reps, but I definitely recommend this progression to everyone who wants to improve their pulling strength and abilities.

[PugnaciousPlatypus]

95% of the times I work with pull-ups over chin-ups