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Speed for this exercise

Sternal Chin-Up

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3sets
4-6reps
120srest
~9.8kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
Upper BackBicepsBForearms

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Lats

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inLats

Lats — the sides of your back under the armpits — and between the shoulder blades.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Pull the elbows down to your back pockets, chest up.”

Tempo · Pull 1 s · pause 1 · lower 3 s

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Front of armsPulling with the arms. Hold the bar like hooks (thumb over) and start each rep by pulling the shoulders down.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripGrip gives out first. Use straps or a thumbless grip, and train dead hangs separately.
  • Feel it in Neck / upper trapsShoulders creeping to the ears. Pull the shoulder blades down first, then bend the elbows.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Keep your ribs down and legs slightly in front of you so your lower back does not over-arch.
  • The underhand grip lets the biceps help more, so most people manage more chin-ups than pull-ups.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping quickly into the bottom position, which jars the elbows.
  • Stopping short with bent arms instead of reaching a full hang.

Breathing

Exhale as you pull up, inhale on the way down.

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle