Power Pull-up

The Power Pull-Up (aka Chest-Bump Pull-Up) is one of my favorite exercises! While not too different from a regular pull-up, the power pull-up—if done correctly—is actually much harder. What makes the power pull-up unique (and difficult) is the power needed to accelerate your body upward so that there’s enough momentum to carry your upper chest into the bar. In doing a regular pull-up, your body is typically decelerating as you near the top position, but with the power pull-up your goal is to accelerate into the bar. Therefore, each power pull-up ends with a forceful chest tap into the bar—no chest tap, no power pull-up!

Geoff Britten demonstrating his crazy-strong Power Pull-Up! Credit: Horst photo collection.

1. Grip the pull-up bar palms-away and hands about shoulder width apart.
2. Begin each repetition with a slight bend in your arms, and the thought of trying to bend the bar—this will fully recruit your rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
3. Now pull up explosively and with the intention of bringing the bar down to meet the pectoral muscles of your chest. Really strong climbers will pull the bar down to touch their upper abs!
4. As you near the top of the pull-up, squeeze your shoulder blades together and lean your head back slightly—this will help push your chest up into the bar.
5. Lower back to the starting position at a more moderate speed and stop short of going into a dead hang. Immediately begin the next repetition.
6. Continue for a total of five to ten (hard) repetitions. Again, a rep does not count if your chest doesn’t forcefully contact the bar.
7. Do one to three sets, always resting for at least 3 minutes between sets.

Training tip: While you may initially only be able to pull the bar down to touch your upper chest, make it your long-term goal to pull the bar lower—to touch your lower pectoral muscles and, ultimately, your upper abs (photo). This training progression will develop awesome pulling power, as exhibited in the photo of Geoff Britten (the 1st American Ninja Warrior).