Wide Grip Pull-Up

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

Exercise Details

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

Required Equipment

Pull-up Bar

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Back

Secondary

Biceps

Setup

Grip the bar with a pronated grip significantly wider than shoulder-width. Hang with full arm extension and a braced core.

Instructions

1. Pull your body upward until your chin clears the bar.
2. Focus on driving your elbows out and down.
3. Squeeze the lats at the top.
4. Lower yourself slowly with control.
5. Maintain a proud chest.

Common Mistakes

1. Shrugging at the top.
2. Partial range of motion.
3. Using momentum to kick.

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.

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.