Lats exercise · body weight
Archer Pull Up
The archer pull up is a bodyweight exercise that targets the lats, with the biceps and forearms assisting.
- Target muscle
- Lats
- Also works
- Biceps, forearms
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Back
How to do the archer pull up
- Start by hanging from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core and pull your shoulder blades down and back.
- As you pull yourself up, bend one arm and bring your elbow towards your side, while keeping the other arm straight.
- Continue pulling until your chin is above the bar and your bent arm is fully flexed.
- Lower yourself back down with control, straightening the bent arm and repeating the movement on the other side.
- Alternate sides with each repetition.
Sets and reps
Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is the lats. The biceps and forearms work as secondary muscles. See all lat exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
