Upper back exercise · body weight
Chin-Ups (Narrow Parallel Grip)
The chin-ups (narrow parallel grip) is a bodyweight exercise that targets the upper back, with the biceps and forearms assisting.
- Target muscle
- Upper back
- Also works
- Biceps, forearms
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Back
How to do the chin-ups (narrow parallel grip)
- Hang from a pull-up bar with a narrow parallel grip, palms facing towards you.
- Engage your back muscles and pull your body up towards the bar, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Continue pulling until your chin is above the bar.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your body back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
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 upper back. The biceps and forearms work as secondary muscles. See all upper back exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
