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Using resistance bands to assist with pull-ups isn’t the worst programming mistake in the world, but there are far better options.
Consider the full pull-up: You don’t need a muscle mechanics lesson to know that the first few inches and the last few inches (where your elbows pull past your shoulders) are the easiest. Somewhere near the middle of each pull-up is where it’s the hardest. The resistance profile of the band just doesn’t match the strength curve of the exercise.
As the band stretches farther, there’s an increase in resistance and an ascending strength curve. That means you’ll get the most assistance from the band at the bottom, which is where you’re strongest. Then, as you pull yourself up, the band assistance decreases.
In other words, they’re a mismatch. Instead, try one of the options below and work your way to pull-up mastery. They’re all easily scalable to both beginner and advanced training. All can be made easier or harder as needed.
Gareth Sapstead
Narrated by Dani Shugart
00:00 Pull-Ups Like You’ve Never Seen Before
00:13 One-Arm Eccentric Ring Pull-Up
00:27 DC Pull-Up
00:37 Seated Pull-Up
00:54 Kneeling Pull-Up
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