Bench Assisted Chin-Up
Assisted chin-ups are great for beginners! Use a bench for support and build upper body strength. Perfect prep for unassisted chin-ups!
The Bench Assisted Chin-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the traps. You'll need: exercise bench or pull up bar.
Required Equipment


Bench Assisted Chin-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Biceps (biceps brachii)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Bench Assisted Chin-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Bench Assisted Chin-Up
Position a bench or stable platform beneath a pull-up bar so that when you are standing on the bench, you can reach the bar with a slight bend in your knees.
Stand on the bench and grasp the pull-up bar with a shoulder-width, underhand grip (palms facing towards you).
Step off the bench with one foot, keeping the other foot on the bench to assist you as needed. Engage your core and keep a straight line from your head to the foot that's off the bench.
Pull your body up towards the bar by flexing the elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Your assisting leg should provide as little help as possible, only engaging to aid in completing the movement.
Continue to pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar.
Hold for a brief moment at the top if desired, then slowly lower yourself back to the starting position, allowing your assisting foot to help control the descent.
Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions before switching the assisting foot or completing the set using the same leg for assistance.
Note: This exercise is beneficial for individuals who are working towards performing unassisted chin-ups. It can be made easier or harder by adjusting the amount of assistance provided by the leg on the bench.
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Bench Assisted Chin-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Bench Assisted Chin-Up work?
The Bench Assisted Chin-Up mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and biceps brachii.
What equipment do you need for the Bench Assisted Chin-Up?
Exercise bench or pull up bar.
Is the Bench Assisted Chin-Up a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Bench Assisted Chin-Up go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Bench Assisted Chin-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Assisted Close-Grip Underhand Chin-Up, Assisted Parallel Close-Grip Pull-Up, Machine Assisted Pull-Up and Assisted Single-Arm Pull-Up.
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