This program is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve their first pull-up—even if you’re starting with zero strength or experience.
The Pull-Up System helps you go from 0 to 5 pull-ups with a step-by-step system. It makes building pull-up strength easy and achievable for everyone, no matter your starting point or fitness level.
This guide is flexible and designed to work with your body, not against it. We take a step-by-step approach that focuses on strength, form, and gradual progress. Instead of rushing through each phase, you’ll spend as much time as you need to master each level, ensuring your pull-ups are strong and safe.
The first step is working on grip strength to help you feel comfortable holding onto the bar or rings. From there, we’ll focus on building scapula strength, which is key for developing the muscles you need to progress toward your first pull-up. Each step is carefully planned to prepare your body and help you move forward with confidence.
If you can already do 1 pull-up but want to reach 5 unassisted reps, this program will help you get there. Using our proven method, you’ll build strength and endurance through short but effective sessions. With each week, you’ll feel stronger and more confident as you increase your pull-up count.
This program is rooted in simplicity and effectiveness:
By focusing on small, manageable steps, you’ll build lasting strength and confidence.
The pull-up routine is done first in your workout to give it your full energy and focus.
You’ll see your growth week by week, keeping you motivated to keep going.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on your current ability, this pull-up program is here to guide you every step of the way. Join today and discover what you’re capable of—one pull-up at a time!
If the idea of doing a pull-up feels impossible, this guide is for you. Even if you can’t hang on the bar for 30 seconds, we’ve planned for that. Each step builds the exact strength and skills you need to progress.
If the idea of doing a pull-up feels impossible, this guide is for you.
The program is built around a 7-step system that’s simple to understand.
Everyone progresses differently!
Each session takes only 20 minutes.
To learn your first pull-up, you’ll need a resistance band, a high bar.
You can easily pair this program with any other training routine.
No, you don’t need to be able to do any pull-ups before starting! This program is designed for everyone, even if you have zero experience or strength. It starts with foundational exercises like building grip and scapula strength, making it perfect for absolute beginners.
The time it takes depends on your starting strength and consistency. Some people may achieve their first pull-up in as little as 6 weeks, while others might take a few months. Most of our clients learn their first pull-up in just 2-3 months and then progress to 5 pull-ups about 2 months later by continuing the program.
To start, you’ll need a resistance band, a high bar, and either a low bar or workout rings to perform all the exercises. Many of these can be found in any gym. Once you’ve mastered your first pull-up, you’ll only need a high bar or workout rings and a resistance band for continued progress.
The program is designed to be done 3 times per week, on non-consecutive days like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each session is short, taking about 20 minutes.
Absolutely! This program is tailored specifically for beginners, starting with simple exercises to build strength and confidence. It guides you step-by-step, so you’ll never feel overwhelmed.
Pull-ups are a full upper-body workout, primarily targeting your back muscles, which should be the main muscles pulling you up. While your arms assist in the movement, the focus should remain on engaging your back. The shoulders are not significantly involved in this exercise. Pull-ups are one of the best exercises for building upper-body strength and improving functional fitness.
Yes! This program is designed to help you achieve your first pull-up and then progress to 5 unassisted pull-ups. It uses a gradual and effective system to build strength over time.Most of our clients learn their first pull-up in just 2-3 months and then achieve 5 pull-ups about 2 months after completing the initial phase.
If you can’t do a pull-up yet, don’t worry! The program starts by working on grip strength and scapula strength, which are the building blocks for pull-ups. You’ll use assisted exercises, resistance bands, and hanging drills to develop the strength needed for your first pull-up.
This program is structured to keep you moving forward at a pace that feels achievable and rewarding.
To do your first pull-up, you’ll need to build strength gradually. Start by focusing on strengthening your grip, scapula, and back muscles. Exercises like dead hangs, scapular pulls, and jackknife pull-ups (where your feet are supported on the ground or a low bar) are great for building the necessary strength and control. When practicing, focus on pulling with your back muscles, as they are much stronger than your arms and will be the main driver of the movement. Once you’ve developed enough strength and confidence, you’ll be ready to pull yourself up with proper form.
Pull-ups primarily work your back muscles, especially the latissimus dorsi (lats), which are responsible for pulling your body upward. They also engage your biceps, forearms, and core. The key is to focus on pulling with your back, as this is the strongest muscle group involved in the movement.
To perform a proper pull-up, start by gripping the bar with an overhand grip, keeping your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Allow your body to hang freely while engaging your core and maintaining your shoulders slightly pulled back for stability. As you initiate the pull-up, focus on driving your elbows toward your sides and pulling your chest toward the bar. Continue pulling until your chin clears the bar, making sure your body stays steady without swinging. Finally, lower yourself slowly and with control back to the starting position, as this descent builds additional strength.
To increase your pull-up strength, focus on progressive overload by gradually making your pull-up exercises more challenging over time. Incorporate movements such as assisted pull-ups, scapular pulls, and jackknife pull-ups to build your pulling power. Supporting exercises like rows, lat pulldowns, and core training also play a key role in developing the muscles required for pull-ups. Training consistently three times a week, while allowing adequate rest and recovery between sessions, ensures steady progress and prevents overtraining.
The main difference is the grip:
Pull-ups are highly effective for both strength and muscle growth. For building strength, pull-ups enhance functional upper-body power by targeting the back and core, which are essential for many movements and activities. For muscle growth, performing pull-ups with progressive overload and controlled form helps develop the lats, biceps, and forearms, making them an excellent exercise for creating a strong, muscular upper body.
Yes, you’ll also benefit from a resistance band for assisted pull-ups and either a low bar or workout rings for variations. These tools help beginners build strength and adjust exercises to their level.
Pull-ups are challenging for beginners because they require strength in multiple areas: back, grip, and core. Most beginners haven’t yet developed the back strength to lift their body weight, the grip strength to hold onto the bar, or the core stability needed to control the movement. On top of that, pull-ups demand that you lift your entire body weight, which can feel overwhelming if you’ve never practiced before. However, by breaking the movement into manageable steps and progressively building strength, anyone can overcome these challenges and achieve their first pull-up.
The time it takes to get good at pull-ups depends on your starting strength and consistency. For most beginners, achieving the first pull-up takes about 2-3 months with regular training. Building up to 1-5 pull-ups may also take an additional 2-3 months, as it requires progressively building endurance and strength. Consistency is key—sticking to the program and gradually increasing your strength will lead to steady progress.
It’s not recommended to do pull-ups every day. Training 3 times per week with rest days in between is more effective because your muscles need time to recover and grow stronger. Rest is an essential part of building strength, as overtraining can lead to fatigue, slower progress, or even injury. On your rest days, focus on recovery and light activities like stretching or mobility work to support your training.
The best grip depends on your goals:
Neutral (palms facing each other): A balanced grip that reduces strain on the wrists and shoulders, great for beginners or those with shoulder discomfort.
Pull-ups can sometimes lead to shoulder discomfort or injury, typically due to incorrect technique or overtraining. To prevent injuries, always use proper form, avoiding any swinging or jerking movements that can strain the shoulders. It is important to warm up your shoulders and back with dynamic stretches or light exercises before starting your pull-up workout. Additionally, ensure your grip is neither too wide nor too narrow, as improper grip placement can place unnecessary pressure on your shoulder joints; a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width is ideal. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after pull-ups—if you experience pain, reduce the intensity, reevaluate your technique, and adjust your grip as needed. Allowing for sufficient rest and recovery is crucial to prevent overuse injuries. With the right approach, pull-ups are a safe and highly effective exercise for building strength when executed with proper form and gradual progression.