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Exercise Guide
How to do chin ups narrow parallel grip
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Utilizing a neutral grip with palms facing each other, this pull-up variation places significant emphasis on the brachialis and biceps while still heavily engaging the latissimus dorsi. The parallel grip is often easier on the wrists and shoulders than traditional grips. It is a powerful compound movement for building upper body pulling strength and developing a thick, well-defined back and arms.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Pull Up Bar
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Grip the Bar: Find a pull-up bar or sturdy fixture capable of supporting your body weight. Grab the bar with a narrow, parallel grip (palms facing each other) using a neutral grip.
- Starting Position: Hang freely from the bar with your arms fully extended. Keep your shoulders engaged and your core tight.
The Lift:
- Pull Upward: Initiate the movement by pulling your chest up towards the bar. Lead with your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
- Squeeze at the Top: As your chin reaches over the bar, squeeze your shoulder blades together and focus on contracting your biceps.
- Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax at the bottom.
Tips:
- Focus on the Biceps: The narrow parallel grip emphasizes the biceps brachii more than wider grips. Concentrate on the feeling of your biceps contracting throughout the movement.
- Maintain Tension: Keep your muscles engaged throughout the entire movement, avoiding any relaxation at the top or bottom of the rep.
- Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum to swing yourself up. Focus on slow, controlled repetitions.
Common mistakes: Not completing a full range of motion (failing to clear the chin or fully extend the arms) and using a kipping motion with the legs.
Alternatives
Cable
lat prayer
Back
Pull Up Bar
chin up
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown(wide bar)
BackBiceps+1
Row Cable
cable seated one arm row
BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar
chin up
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown behind the neck
BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar
pull up
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
cable one arm lat pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Row Cable
cable seated row
BackBiceps+1
Barbell
barbell bent over row
BackBiceps+1
Cable
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
BackRear Shoulder
Cable
cable straight arm pulldown(bar)
BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
barbell underhand bent over row
BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown
cable seated high row(v-bar)
BackBiceps+1
Bench
dumbbell chest supported row
BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown
machine front pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
BackBiceps+1
Barbell
barbell chest supported row
BackBiceps+1
Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
BackBiceps+1
Landmine
t-bar row
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine
machine low row
BackBiceps+1
Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine
machine high row
BackBiceps+1
Row Cable
cable low seated row
BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
BackBiceps+1
Cable
cable pulldown(v-bar)
BackRear Shoulder
None
sliding floor pulldown on towel
BackBiceps
None
superman row with towel
BackBiceps
Row Cable
cable seated row(rope)
BackBiceps+1
Rings
ring high suspended row
BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack
inverted row bend knees
BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell
kettlebell bent over row
BackBiceps+1
Rings
ring suspended row
BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
BackChest+2
Resistance Band
band seated row
BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
BackQuads+2