V-Bar Pullup
How to do the V-Bar Pullup with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Lats
Biceps, Mid Back, Shoulders
Body Only
How to do the V-Bar Pullup
- 1
Start by placing the middle of the V-bar in the middle of the pull-up bar (assuming that the pull-up station you are using does not have neutral grip handles). The V-Bar handles will be facing down so that you can hang from the pull-up bar through the use of the handles.
- 2
Once you securely place the V-bar, take a hold of the bar from each side and hang from it. Stick your chest out and lean yourself back slightly in order to better engage the lats. This will be your starting position.
- 3
Using your lats, pull your torso up while leaning your head back slightly so that you do not hit yourself with the chin-up bar. Continue until your chest nearly touches the V-bar. Exhale as you execute this motion.
- 4
After a second hold on the contracted position, slowly lower your body back to the starting position as you breathe in.
- 5
Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every V-Bar Pullup set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your lats volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
Where the V-Bar Pullup fits
The V-Bar Pullup shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:
More lats exercises
V-Bar Pullup: common questions
What muscles does the V-Bar Pullup work?
The V-Bar Pullup primarily works the Lats. It also recruits the Biceps, Mid Back and Shoulders as supporting muscles.
Is the V-Bar Pullup suitable for beginners?
Yes. The V-Bar Pullup is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the V-Bar Pullup?
None. The V-Bar Pullup is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.
Is the V-Bar Pullup a compound or isolation exercise?
The V-Bar Pullup is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the V-Bar Pullup with correct form?
Start by placing the middle of the V-bar in the middle of the pull-up bar (assuming that the pull-up station you are using does not have neutral grip handles). The V-Bar handles will be facing down so that you can hang from the pull-up bar through the use of the handles. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your V-Bar Pullup sets, free.
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