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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Starting Position: Hang freely from the bar with your arms fully extended. Keep your shoulders engaged and your core tight.

The Lift:

  1. Pull Upward: Initiate the movement by pulling your chest up towards the bar. Lead with your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: As your chin reaches over the bar, squeeze your shoulder blades together and focus on contracting your biceps.
  3. 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