Bench Pull-Ups

A modified pull-up for beginners or high-volume training. Using a bench for foot support reduces the load while maintaining the vertical pulling pattern.

Exercise Details

Level: Intermediate
Body Area: upper
Type: pull
Mechanics: Compound

Required Equipment

Pull-up Bar

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Back

Secondary

Biceps

Setup

Place a bar at chest height or use a pull-up bar with a bench underneath. Grip the bar and place your feet on the bench.

Instructions

1. Pull your chest toward the bar by driving your elbows down.
2. Squeeze your lats and mid-back at the top.
3. Lower yourself slowly to the start.
4. Use your legs only as much as necessary.
5. Maintain core tension.

Common Mistakes

1. Using too much leg drive.
2. Shrugging.
3. Partial range of motion.

Alternative Exercises

Zottman Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

A unique arm exercise that combines a standard curl with a reverse curl. It targets the biceps on the way up and the forearms on the way down.

Wide Grip Behind the Neck Pulldown

Intermediate / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

An advanced lat-building variation that isolates the upper back. It requires significant shoulder mobility and emphasizes the outer fibers of the lats.

Wide Grip Behind the Neck Pull-Up

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

Targets the upper back and rear deltoids. Pulling behind the neck requires advanced shoulder mobility and focuses on scapular retraction.

Wide Grip Pull-Up

Intermediate / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

Emphasizes the outer lats and teres major. This variation is the gold standard for building back width and the classic "V" taper.

Weighted Lying Twist

Intermediate / Stability (Swiss) Ball / Back / core

A rotational core exercise that targets the internal and external obliques. It is essential for developing rotational power and improving lateral spinal stability.

Underhand Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A pulling exercise that increases bicep activation and targets the lower lats. The supinated grip allows for a deeper contraction and greater range of motion.

Twin Handle Parallel Grip Lat Pulldown

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Back / pull

A back exercise using two separate handles to allow for a neutral grip. This variation is shoulder-friendly and builds significant mid-back thickness.