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Resistance Band Assisted Chin-Up

Beginner

A band-assisted vertical pull using an underhand grip that targets lats and biceps to build upper body strength and endurance for progressing to unassisted chin-ups.

About Exercise

Equipment

Pull-up Bar, Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Calisthenics
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Shoulders

4/10

Rear Delts

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Loop a resistance band over a secure pull-up bar to form a hanging stirrup. Step both feet into the band, grip the bar with underhand palms facing you, slightly wider than shoulders, and hang with arms extended.

  1. Depress shoulder blades and retract them downward.
  2. Drive elbows down and back to initiate pull.
  3. Pull body up until chin passes over bar.
  4. Squeeze back at top and pause briefly.
  5. Lower slowly with control to full arm extension.
  6. Maintain straight body line throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows
  • Keep shoulders down
  • Brace core tight
  • Control the drop
  • Pull chest to bar

Breathing

Inhale during descent, brace core, and exhale forcefully during ascent.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

From full dead hang with arms extended to chin clearing bar or chest touching bar, keeping elbows from locking out.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Secure band tightly to bar
  • Avoid full elbow lockout
  • Stop if shoulder or elbow pain occurs
  • Use box for setup to prevent strain

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use a spotter to assist descent if needed, or prefer machine alternative for beginners.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging body for momentum
  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Incomplete range at bottom
  • Kipping instead of strict pull
  • Gripping too wide initially

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent elbow injury
  • Wrist tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion overhead
  • Adequate wrist extension for grip

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Familiarity with dead hangs
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Banded Chin-Up, Assisted Chin-Up, Band-Assisted Pull-Up

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