Corn Cob
Sculpt your core & back with Corn Cob! This challenging exercise targets your obliques and builds serious upper body strength. Are you up for it?
The Corn Cob is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the traps. You'll need: pull up bar.
Required Equipment

Corn Cob Muscles Worked
Primary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Biceps (biceps brachii)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Corn Cob Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Corn Cob
Starting Position:
Stand underneath the pull-up bar or dip station.
Reach up and grasp the bar with both hands, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Your palms should face away from you (overhand grip).
Hang freely with your arms extended and your legs bent at a 90-degree angle, keeping your feet off the ground.
Body Position:
Engage your core to stabilize your body.
Keep your back straight and avoid swinging. Your shoulders should be relaxed and down, away from your ears.
Movement:
Begin the movement by pulling your body upward. Focus on using your back and arm muscles.
As you pull up, bring your knees towards your chest and rotate your hips slightly to the side, imitating the motion of twisting.
Aim to pull your chin above the bar while maintaining a controlled movement.
Return:
Slowly lower your body back to the starting position, extending your arms fully.
Ensure your core stays engaged throughout the movement to prevent swinging or losing control.
Repetitions:
Perform 3 sets of 5-10 repetitions, depending on your fitness level. Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets.
Tips:
If you are a beginner, you may perform assisted pull-ups using a resistance band or a pull-up assist machine.
Focus on form rather than speed to avoid injury and maximize effectiveness.
Make sure to breathe out while pulling up and breathe in while lower your body.
Corn Cob FAQs
What muscles does the Corn Cob work?
The Corn Cob 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 Corn Cob?
Pull up bar.
Is the Corn Cob 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 Corn Cob go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Corn Cob variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Bench Pull-Up, Chin-Up, Handle Chin-Up and Close-Grip Chin-Up.
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