Your regular pull-up workout might need some help. Resistance bands are versatile pieces of exercise equipment that can add assistance to exercises that you'd like to master but need some help. Pull ups are usually difficult in and of themselves, but adding a resistance band can help you rebound more easily, and therefore help you to complete an exercise that is beneficial to your arms, shoulders, chest and legs. Add a resistance band to your pull-up bar, and learn the right form and function of pull ups.
Step 1
Choose your resistance band according to its resistance level and your level of fitness. Resistance bands are color coded--yellow the lightest amount of resistance, red a medium amount, and green being the heaviest resistance. Start with the highest amount and work your way up to a lower resistance level. Soon you'll be able to do unassisted pull ups.
Step 2
Take the pull-up bar off of the stand and slide the handles of the resistance band onto the pole so that it forms on continuous loop, with the center of the band dropping down over the floor. If your pull-up bar is not removable, use a heavy duty rock climbing clip like a caribiner to clip the handles to the pole while still being able to hold your weight.
Step 3
Insert the bar back into the pull-up stand. Slide the resistance bands to the center of the bar, and grip the bar with your hands. Extend your hands past your shoulders 10 to 12 inches for good form.
Step 4
Place your right foot into the resistance band so that the band centers in the middle of your shoe. Holding onto the bar, pull yourself up and put your other foot in the same position, so that you are basically standing on the resistance band.
Step 5
Pull yourself up, and when you release back down, do so slowly, feeling the resistance band push against you as you lower. As you raise yourself back up, let the resistance band do some of the work as it essentially bounces you back to the top. Do as many repetitions as you can until you are completely fatigued.
Step 6
Step down carefully when you finish your workout. Release yourself down from the bar, still holding with your hands as far to the ground as you can get. Step one foot out carefully, and then the other.
Things You'll Need
- Clip
- Pull up bar
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