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Chin ups

Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/06, 02:32 PM Just curious, I have NEVER been able to do even one of these. From birth to now I have never been able to do it. I am going to make a serious effort to be able to do these, but are there some exercises that for whatever reason some people can't do? ---------------------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/06, 02:47 PM Dude, I wasn't able to do any of these until before I joined the military! Sometimes, you develop a mental block when trying to do an exercise. I overcame mine when I was forced to do it...repeatedly! Anyway, just to let you know... -------------- **_Robert_**
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/06, 04:01 PM Their hard for me to do too but i just force them out any way I can.. even the wrong way until I could start doing them right... if you do negatives thats supposed to help you build up to do more of these... but I've never tried... as far as pullups go I think I can do only about 10 or so.. I usually never make the # of reps ft has laid out for me if thats on my workout..
jnellie Posts: 924 Joined: 2002/02/24	2002/05/06, 04:08 PM i can only do 4 i could not do any when i started weight training so there is some improvment
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/06, 05:31 PM Thanks guys, I was also curious if there was a way to slowly build up to them. I think I'll try the negatives. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/06, 05:49 PM You can also try gripping the bar either with an overhand grip approximately shoulder width, or underhand grip less than should width (I prefer this grip). If you do these slowly, you'll build up strength but won't be able to do very many. You can also cheat on this exercise by using your body's momentum on the way up. You can slightly swing yourself up if your arms feel tired. -------------- **_Robert_**
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/06, 06:53 PM Thanks Supacheco. :) -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
dmvwh8kq4j Posts: 23 Joined: 2002/01/07	2002/05/07, 04:12 PM Why is it that some exercises can strike fear into the hearts of even the strongest? I panicked the first time I saw this move listed on my program and 4 sets of sooooo many reps. I'm so glad to see that men have trouble with them too. One thing I found that helped me out was to get a spotter to hold my feet. They didn't have to lift me much, but for some reason just being there for that extra support seemed to help me squeeze out a few extra reps. However, I'm still afraid. Nancy
SeanMS Posts: 27 Joined: 2002/05/02	2002/05/08, 11:46 AM Cain- sounds like you need a spotter. I use a spotter every time after my first set that is. I can get that first set out by myself but after that I need the spotter. That will help you more than anything. I think it's a mind game - ever notice when your maxing on your bench it's easier to get 225 up if you use small weights to make up that extra 45# plate where if you have 2 45# plates to make up the last 90# it'll be harder (4 45# plates just look heavy and you get to thinking there's no way, where two 25's and four 10's don't look heavy)? Just my 2 cents worth.
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/08, 01:03 PM Thanks Sean. :) -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
skinnyguy Posts: 86 Joined: 2002/05/03	2002/05/10, 01:57 AM If you would like to be able to do wide grip chin ups then simulate the move with the wide grip pulldown...Slowly work your way up to a heavy weight until you are able to do the real thing. Back in elementary school, those unable to do chin ups would have to hang in the chin up position with their chins remaining just above the bar for as long as possible. You could use this technique for reps(example 6 30sec hangs) then slowly lower yourself(a negative), rest and repeat. Also when you don't have a spotter, place a chair or something underneath you and use barely enough help to get you up. Continue to use the chair week by week until you no longer need it. Good Luck! -------------- Vaya con Dios... Keith
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/10, 11:14 AM That sounds like it would work. I just need to get a bar now... -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/10, 03:28 PM Goto a sporting goods store and there are these twist pullup bars that fit into doorways.. their pretty nice.. a friend of mine had one and soon after I got one.. although I had a hard time setting it up because w/o screwing in the little metal holder things (pretty technical huh) it kept sliding off...
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/10, 03:30 PM LOL! Technical indeed. However I was informed at the sporting goods store that they do not make those for guys of my weight. 260. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
skinnyrobin Posts: 224 Joined: 2002/05/10	2002/05/12, 09:50 AM hey-i just wanted 2 ask what the difference is between chins and crunches...?
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/05/12, 02:47 PM Chin ups work completely separate muscles. Chins work bi's tri's and lots of back muscles, whereas crunches work abs. Unless there's a crunch you can do with a chin up bar.. -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.