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V-Bar Pullup

V-Bar Pullup is a beginner compound bodyweight exercise that mainly works your lats, with help from your biceps, upper back and shoulders.

💪 Lats🏋️ Bodyweight📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 3 sets of 8-15 reps
V-Bar Pullup: starting position
Starting position
V-Bar Pullup: end position
End position

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.

Muscles worked

Primary: LatsSecondary: BicepsSecondary: Upper backSecondary: Shoulders

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 8-15 controlled reps, stopping 1-2 reps before failure. When you can do 15 easily, slow the tempo or add weight.

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V-Bar Pullup alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Pull UpBodyweight · BeginnerLat PulldownCable · BeginnerLeverage Iso RowMachine · BeginnerBent-Arm Barbell PulloverBarbell · IntermediateLondon BridgesOther · IntermediateChin UpBodyweight · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the v-bar pullup work?

It mainly works your lats; your biceps, upper back and shoulders assist.

How many sets and reps of v-bar pullup should I do?

Do 3 sets of 8-15 controlled reps, stopping 1-2 reps before failure. When you can do 15 easily, slow the tempo or add weight.

Is the v-bar pullup good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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