Appears in642 Workouts*

Machine Assisted Pull-Up

Build upper body strength with Machine Assisted Pull-Ups! Perfect for beginners, gradually master the pull-up motion with customizable weight support.

The Machine Assisted Pull-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the shoulders. You'll need: assisted pull up machine.

Machine Assisted Pull-Up demo video 2
Machine Assisted Pull-Up demo video 3
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Assisted Pull Up Machine
Assisted Pull Up Machine

Machine Assisted Pull-Up Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Biceps (biceps brachii)

Secondary

Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

How to do the Machine Assisted Pull-Up

  1. Start by selecting the appropriate weight on the assisted pull-up machine. The more weight you select, the easier the pull-up will be, as the weight counterbalances your body weight.

  2. Stand on the platform of the machine and grasp the handles above your head with a wide overhand grip. Your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

  3. If the machine has a padded knee or foot support, place your knees or feet on it. Ensure you are positioned beneath the handles, and your body is straight.

  4. Slowly lower your body down with controlled movement until your arms are almost fully extended, ensuring not to lock out your elbows completely.

  5. Pull yourself up by driving your elbows down and bringing your shoulders and upper back towards the handles, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you move.

  6. Continue to lift your body until your chin is above the level of the handles.

  7. Pause briefly at the top of the movement before slowly lowering yourself back to the starting position, maintaining tension in your muscles throughout the movement.

  8. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions and sets.

  9. When finished, carefully dismount the machine by stepping off the platform.

Ensure proper form throughout the exercise to maximize gains and minimize the risk of injury. Adjust the weight assistance as needed to challenge yourself while still being able to perform the exercise with good technique.

---

Machine Assisted Pull-Up FAQs

What muscles does the Machine Assisted Pull-Up work?

The Machine Assisted Pull-Up mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the shoulders. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and biceps brachii.

What equipment do you need for the Machine Assisted Pull-Up?

Assisted pull up machine.

Is the Machine Assisted Pull-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 Machine Assisted Pull-Up go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Machine Assisted Pull-Up variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Machine Assisted Dips, Bench Assisted Chin-Up, Assisted Close-Grip Underhand Chin-Up and Assisted Parallel Close-Grip Pull-Up.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.