Cathe - replacement exercise for pull up, please

[morningstar]

Dear Cathe,

I am unable to attach a pull up bar and I think my strength level might be too advanced to get full satisfaction out of using bands instead (she says modestly!), so I was wondering if you could recommend some good replacement exercises for pull ups. I haven't done pull ups since I was a little kid, so I'm not even sure what muscles they target, but I generally use weight loads of 50lbs - 60lbs for bench presses and 55lbs - 65lbs for two arm back rows.

And another stupid question - what is the difference between a pull up and a chin up?

Thanks!!

 

[NY25]

Not Cathe, but I think chin up is generally a closer and underhanded grip, while pull-ups are overhand grips.

 

[kathryn]

You can definitely find bands that will challenge your strength level, like the green, blue and black Lifeline ones here: http://www.power-systems.com/p-2545-lifeline-professional-tubing.aspx

I know there's an even higher resistance one (Lifeline as well), but I can't find it offhand.

And if the #10 cable isn't enough resistance, you can get these handles that hold up to three cables at once: http://www.lifelineusa.com/en/products/tnt-cable?section=all-products

 

[morningstar]

Thank you, but I have nothing that I can attach bands to that won't be damaged. I really can't use a pull up bar or bands for this kind of exercise. Any replacement exercises that could be suggested would be appreciated.

 

[LauraMax]

You can try one armed rows w/a DB or two armed rows w/a barbell. I don't think they're as effective as pullups, but they're better than nothing!

 

[kathryn]

Thank you, but I have nothing that I can attach bands to that won't be damaged.

You can get a door attachment ( www.sissel-online.com has a good one) that closes in the margins of a door. No damage to anything from that. When doing lat pull-downs, I close this in the top of a door and kneel in front of the door. It has never caused any damage.

 

[morningstar]

You can get a door attachment ( www.sissel-online.com has a good one) that closes in the margins of a door. No damage to anything from that. When doing lat pull-downs, I close this in the top of a door and kneel in front of the door. It has never caused any damage.

Thanks Kathryn, I have ordered the door attachment and I'll try it - great website, by the way.