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.

Required Equipment

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)
Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up
Wide Grip Rear Pull Up
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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