Resistance Band Assisted Hammer-Grip Pull-Up exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Resistance Band Assisted Hammer-Grip Pull-Up

Beginner
Home Friendly

Assisted vertical pull using a resistance band and neutral hammer grip that targets lats, biceps, and upper back to build upper body strength and progress toward unassisted pull-ups.

About Exercise

Equipment

Pull-up Bar, Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Biceps

9/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Shoulders

5/10

Rear Delts

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-120 seconds

How to Perform

Loop a resistance band over a secure pull-up bar and step one foot or knee into it. Grip the neutral handles shoulder-width with palms facing each other and hang with arms extended.

  1. Engage core and depress shoulders.
  2. Pull elbows down and back to lift body.
  3. Drive chin above bar while squeezing back.
  4. Hold briefly at top.
  5. Lower slowly to full arm extension.
  6. Repeat without swinging.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows.
  • Keep body rigid.
  • Squeeze shoulder blades.

Breathing

Inhale during descent and exhale forcefully while pulling up, maintaining core brace.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until arms are nearly straight without elbow lockout; pull until chin passes bar level.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure band to prevent slippage.
  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain exists.
  • Warm up shoulders and grip first.
  • Do not lock elbows at bottom.

Spotting

Self-assisted via band; no spotter needed, but use safeties if transitioning to unassisted.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or kipping.
  • Incomplete range of motion.
  • Flaring elbows outward.

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist or elbow injuries
  • Recent back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Adequate wrist extension

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Familiarity with hanging position

Also known as

Banded Hammer Pull-Up, Assisted Neutral Grip Pull-Up, Band-Assisted Hammer Pullup, Resistance Band Neutral Pull-Up

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.