Appears in642 Workouts*

Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up

Pull-up plus core! Level up your pull-up game with this challenging variation. Build strength & coordination.

The Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and core, with help from the biceps and traps. You'll need: pull up bar.

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Required Equipment

Pull Up Bar
Pull Up Bar

Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

Secondary

Biceps (biceps brachii); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

How to do the Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up

  1. Set up the grip: Begin by grabbing the pull-up bar with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing away from you.

  2. Starting position: Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended, feet off the ground, and legs straight.

  3. Initial pull-up: Engage your core and pull yourself up as you would for a standard pull-up.

  4. Knee and elbow movement: As you lift, simultaneously tuck your knees towards your chest and try to bring your elbows towards your knees, aiming to touch or get as close as possible, to engage the abdominal muscles.

  5. Chin over the bar: Continue to pull up until your chin is above the bar, while maintaining the knee tuck.

  6. Top position hold: Hold the top position for a second, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position, extending your legs back down.

  7. Repetition: Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions and sets.

Ensure you perform the exercise with controlled motion to maximize muscle engagement and minimize the risk of injury. This is a challenging variation of the standard pull-up that targets not only the upper body muscles but also engages core strength and coordination.

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Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up FAQs

What muscles does the Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up work?

The Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up mainly works the back and core, with help from the biceps and traps. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up?

Pull up bar.

Is the Elbow Double-Knee 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 Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up go on?

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

What are some Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Butterfly Pull-Up, Corn Cob, Lever Hanging Advanced Tucked Front Hold and Hanging Knee-To-Elbow.

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