Topic: Weighted Pull UPs

[element4992]

I have been doing upper body training for a while and i was wondering if i could add extra weight to my body while i do pull ups. My idea was wear a back pack filled  with a 10 lb plate, and then after a while move it up to a 15 and so on.  Im wondering if its safe to do, and if it will cause spine or muscle injuries.

All advice appreciated

-Andrew

[Chris Salvato]

thats fine.

make sure you can do at least 5-10 pulls or chins first though, before adding a load.

Also, the backpack will eventually get too heavy -- dumb bells between the legs or a weight vest would be a better approach...or if you go to a gym, see if they have a belt that is used for this kind of thing.

[element4992]

ok good, i was just afraid that it might put too much strain on my back. I can do around 20 pull ups in a row, so im expecting to only do about 10 with 20 pounds of weight.

Thanks for the advice.

-andrew

[Steven Low]

If you can do 20 pullups you should probably be able to do about 30-40 lbs or so on your first try for at least one GOOD repetition.

But yeah, backpack or around waist or holding between legs. Maybe all 3 once you get strong enough...

[BobT]

If you have the cash, but a dip belt.  I used to jury rig things to add weight for pullups & dips, but a properly made belt beats it all.  As far as back strain goes, you're not loading up your back - it's more a question of shoulder stability.

[Chris Lyons]

I just tie the weight plate to a old belt that i can then wear while doing pullups. take a length of rope and loop it through the center of the weight, then tie it to the front of your belt and bam! instant weights. Just make sure that you use a long enough rope that it wont hit you in the nuts and short enough to not be longer than your legs.

[BelatuCadros]

What is impressive is after doing the weighted pull ups for a while and then go back to regular... you can do many more, faster, easier. 

Oh yeah, and as the gentleman above said, watch your nuts. That goes for all things in life.

[Chris Salvato]

lol agreed...

once i was doing weighted kipping pullups -- not quite sure why i was doing that...but whatever..

90# swinging at you straight between the legs is a great way to end a training session abruptly