Question for Debbie (Fitness Freak)

[happy mom of 3]

Hi Debbie,

I just want to say thank you for all the info you post on this site. It really helps. I'm currently using your muscle building and staying lean rotation and seeing great results. I have a question that I hope you can answer.

I'm working on doing pull ups to prepare myself for the upcoming STS program. I can only do 4 regular grip pull ups right now, but know Cathe is probably going to do way more than that.

I found this article on the net yesterday by Tom Venuto- the guy who wrote "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle". I think it's the same book that you have recommended to other people

Here's the link:

http://www.freedomfly.net/Articles/Training/training38.htm

Have you tried this method? If so, does it work?

Thanks for your help.

Nicole

 

[Fitnessfreak366]

Hi Nicole,
No, I never trained that way with my chins or pullups, although I bet it would work. I just do them. When I started I could only do about 1 1/2 chinups, now I'm up to around 12-15 with weights. What I did was negatives. Pull yourself up, palms facing you (chin ups) and hold at the top for a few seconds and then release yourself really slowly. At first you will only be able to do one or two, but keep doing them that way. Then after you train this way for a few weeks, just try to rip them out. See how many you can do.

I started this method with chin ups and then advanced to pullups (palms facing away from you). I did the same thing. These are a lot harder. Once I could do about 10 reps I went to wide grip pullups.

I don't do wide grips much anymore because they are really hard on the joints. So I'd rather be safe and I alternate between chins and pullups.

In case you are wondering what the difference is between chins and pullups: Chins work the biceps indirectly and pullups work the forearms indirectly. Great way to strengthen the entire arm.

Good luck!

 

[happy mom of 3]

Thanks so much for your quick response. Pullups with weights??? 12-15 reps..all I can say is WOW! Without weights is a challenge.

I haven't tried to do chin ups (palms facing me), but I'm going to try tonight. This should help increase the amount of pull ups I can do.

Thanks again for your help.