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Lats exercise · body weight

Rear Pull-Up

The rear pull-up is a bodyweight exercise that targets the lats, with the biceps and forearms assisting.

Animated demonstration of the rear pull-up
Rear Pull-Up — demonstration
Target muscle
Lats
Also works
Biceps, forearms
Equipment
Body weight
Body part
Back

How to do the rear pull-up

  1. Grab the pull-up bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended and your body straight.
  3. Engage your back muscles and pull your body up towards the bar, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  4. Continue pulling until your chin is above the bar.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your body back down to the starting position.
  6. 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 lats. The biceps and forearms work as secondary muscles. See all lat exercises or every bodyweight exercise.

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