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Weighted Hammer-Grip Pull-Up

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A progressed variation of the neutral-grip pull-up using external load to increase intensity, targeting the lats and biceps for maximal strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Pull-up Bar, , Plates

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Abs, Traps

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Calisthenics
Powerlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Forearms

6/10

Flexors

Shoulders

5/10

Rear Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Traps

4/10

Lower Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

120-240 seconds • Longer rest required for heavy loading.

How to Perform

Secure a weighted dip belt around your waist or hold a dumbbell between your feet, then grasp parallel handles with palms facing each other.

  1. Brace core tightly to stabilize the weight.
  2. Drive elbows down to pull body upward.
  3. Clear the bar with your chin.
  4. Lower under strict control to full extension.
  5. Ensure weight does not swing excessively.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Control the load.
  • Drive elbows down.
  • No swinging.

Breathing

Inhale at the bottom, exhale forcefully as you pull up, and brace hard.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

From a full dead hang with arms straight to chin passing above the handles.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure weight is securely fastened.
  • Avoid if experiencing elbow tendonitis.
  • Use a box to reach the bar safely.

Spotting

Spotter can stabilize the weight plates to prevent swinging.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the weight.
  • Shortening range of motion.
  • Rounding shoulders forward.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder pain
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • 10 strict bodyweight pull-ups
  • Strong grip strength

Also known as

Weighted Neutral Grip Pull Up, Weighted Parallel Grip Pull Up

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