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Resistance Band Negative Chin-Up

Intermediate

Eccentric chin-up variation using a resistance band for assistance, targeting lats and biceps to build pulling strength; focuses on controlled lowering from the top position.

About Exercise

Equipment

Pull-up Bar, Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Traps, Abs

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-120 seconds

How to Perform

Loop a resistance band over a pull-up bar and step into it with one or both feet. Grip the bar underhand, shoulder-width, and jump or step to the top position with chin over bar and arms flexed.

  1. Brace core and shoulders.
  2. Slowly lower body by extending arms over 3-5 seconds.
  3. Keep elbows close to body throughout descent.
  4. Maintain control without swinging.
  5. Reach full arm extension at bottom.
  6. Step out of band and reset to top for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tight to sides
  • Shoulders down away from ears
  • Core braced no arch
  • Slow even descent
  • Grip firm throughout

Breathing

Inhale deeply at top to brace core, then exhale steadily during controlled lowering.

Tempo

5-0-0

Range of Motion

Start with chin above bar and arms fully flexed; lower to full arm extension with shoulders relaxed in dead hang.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure band tightly to bar
  • Inspect band for tears before use
  • Use box for safe reset if needed
  • Avoid if acute elbow or shoulder pain
  • Progress gradually to thinner bands

Spotting

Spotter can assist reset to top position or stabilize band; not needed for descent but helpful for beginners.

Common Mistakes

  • Dropping too quickly
  • Swinging or kipping body
  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Incomplete arm extension
  • Loose core causing arch

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Wrist extension for grip

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Familiarity with full chin-up form

Also known as

Banded Negative Chinup, Assisted Negative Chin-Up, Loop Band Negative Pull-Up

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