Bent-Knee Pull-Up
Build upper body strength at home! Bent-Knee Pull-Ups modify the classic exercise for an accessible, effective workout.
The Bent-Knee Pull-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and biceps, with help from the shoulders. You'll need: chair or pull up bar.

Required Equipment


Bent-Knee Pull-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Biceps (biceps brachii)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)
Bent-Knee Pull-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Bent-Knee Pull-Up
Set up the equipment: Place the pull-up bar securely on top of two sturdy chairs, ensuring the bar is stable and won't shift during the exercise. The chairs should be spaced apart enough to allow your legs to hang freely when you grip the bar.
Position yourself: Stand between the chairs and grip the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Begin the exercise: Bend your knees and lift your feet off the ground, crossing your ankles for stability. Engage your core to keep your body stable throughout the movement.
Perform the pull up: Take a deep breath in and, as you exhale, pull your body upwards by retracting your shoulder blades and driving your elbows down towards the floor. Continue to pull until your chin is just above the bar, ensuring that you maintain a controlled movement without swinging or using momentum.
Lower yourself down: Hold the position briefly at the top, then inhale as you slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position with your arms fully extended and your core still engaged.
Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions and sets, taking care not to rush and maintaining good form throughout.
Safety Tips: Ensure that the chairs and the bar used are both sturdy and capable of handling your weight without tipping or breaking. Move in a controlled manner to prevent injuries and maximize muscle engagement. If you're new to pull-ups or this exercise variation, have a spotter assist you or perform the exercise where you can safely disembark if needed.
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Bent-Knee Pull-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Bent-Knee Pull-Up work?
The Bent-Knee 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 Bent-Knee Pull-Up?
Chair or pull up bar.
Is the Bent-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 Bent-Knee Pull-Up go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Bent-Knee Pull-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Dips, Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up, Bent-Knee Inverted Chin Curl and Chair Bodyweight Inverted Row.
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