Appears in642 Workouts*

Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up

Maximize back muscle engagement! Wide grip targets lats for a wider, stronger back. Challenging, but rewarding.

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

Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Pull Up Bar
Pull Up Bar

Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

Secondary

Biceps (biceps brachii); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

How to do the Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up

Wide Grip Rear Pull Up

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand directly under the pull-up bar.

    • Reach up and grasp the bar with a wide grip (hands positioned wider than shoulder-width apart).

    • Your palms should be facing away from you (overhand grip).

  2. Initial Setup:

    • Jump or use a step to get your chin above the bar.

    • Your arms should be fully extended, and your body should be hanging straight down.

    • Keep your shoulders relaxed and engage your core.

  3. Execution:

    • Begin the pull-up by squeezing your shoulder blades together and pulling your elbows down towards your sides.

    • Pull your body upward until your chin is above the bar.

    • Make sure to keep your chest up and your core tight throughout the movement.

  4. Lowering Phase:

    • Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position with control, fully extending your arms without locking your elbows.

    • Maintain tension in your muscles to avoid swinging.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Aim for 3 sets of 5-10 repetitions, depending on your fitness level.

    • Take adequate rest between sets.

Tips for Beginners:

  • If you struggle to complete a pull-up, try using resistance bands for assistance or perform negative pull-ups (jump up and slowly lower yourself).

  • Keep your body straight and avoid swinging.

  • Focus on engaging your back muscles for an effective workout.

Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up FAQs

What muscles does the Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up work?

The Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up mainly works the back and traps, with help from the biceps. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up?

Pull up bar.

Is the Wide-Grip Rear 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 Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up go on?

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

What are some Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Assisted Parallel Close-Grip Pull-Up, Close-Grip Chin-Up, Close-Grip Pull-Up and Elbow Double-Knee Pull-Up.

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