Dead hang
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Scapular pull-up

A straight-arm hang and a movement of the shoulder blades alone: pull them down and the body rises a few centimetres. Teaches the first phase of the pull-up and protects the shoulders.

Level
Start
Equipment
Pull-up bar
Measure
reps
Tempo
1-1-2-0 (down, pause, up, pause)
backlatsshouldersforearms and grip

Technique

  1. Overhand hang, elbows straight the whole time, abs braced.
  2. Pull the shoulder blades down and slightly back, as if pressing the bar into the floor.
  3. Pause for a second at the top and return slowly to a dead hang.

Common mistakes

  • Bending the elbows: the movement should come from the shoulder blades only.
  • Swinging the body instead of using the back.
3D model of a push-up with working muscles highlighted 3D model of a push-up with working muscles highlighted

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Progression

This exercise

Scapular pull-up

Pull-up bar reps

Same muscles