Question on using chair to assist pull-ups

sophiem

Cathlete
When you're using a chair to assist in pull-ups, are you actually pushing down on the chair? I mean, basically are you using one leg to help push your body up and that's the assist? I've been doing P90X for 5 weeks now and I'm just not sure I'm doing it right. I keep replaying what the girls are doing on the DVD. Anyone whose had success with this, your tips would be so helpful.
 
It's hard to explain. I don't really push down on the chair hard, but I must be doing it somewhat in order to get up there. Definitely don't STAND on it, though:p Are you really feeling it in your back when you pull-up?
 
You use as much 'help' as you need. Try to just use the chair to offset some of your body weight (putting both feet on the chair at first, then going to one). But you probably will need to use a bit of assist (a push) at a sticking point at least, at first.

The chair is there to give you the minimal amount of help you need to get up. Don't rely on it too much (though as a set of pull-ups go on, you may find yourself using it more, but make sure that you do the negative all on your own).
 
Yes, I am feeling it in my back, so maybe I'm ok. I think I might just need to find a better chair. All I have is a step up stool and all my kitchen chairs have round tops, so I'm kinda not finding my sweet spot. I will say that today I did two underhand pull ups unassisted for the first time. I know that's the easiest move and all, but I thought I might just cry after I did it. How friggin' exciting.
 
Do they show how to do these with a chair in the workouts? I have a chin up bar attached to a doorway, ( I think it's too low because I can stand straight and touch it.) How do you use the chair to help?
 
Yes, they show you how to do them. My bar is pretty low too, but I've figured out how to do them so they're effective.

You put one foot (or two) on the chair back or stool and let that leg "help" you get to the top of the movement.
 

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