09/11/2026
PULL-UP VARIATIONS 💪
M2 Fitness trainer Shawn demonstrates two ways to incorporate pull-ups into your training: close/neutral grip and wide grip.
Both variations build the lats, upper back and arms, but changing your grip gives you a slightly different pulling angle and stimulus.
For mountain bikers, strong lats and upper-back musculature help support your position on the bike and your ability to control and pull the bike underneath you—especially when riding aggressively through technical terrain.
For the general population, pull-ups are an excellent way to develop upper-body pulling strength, improve shoulder and scapular control, and balance out the pressing movements we commonly perform in the gym and in everyday life.
Not ready for a bodyweight pull-up? The movement is easy to scale. Start with a resistance band for assistance, or use a lat pulldown machine to build the strength needed to progress toward an unassisted pull-up.
As you get stronger, gradually reduce the assistance and work toward controlling your full bodyweight through the entire range of motion.
Train the movement at the level that’s right for you, then progress from there.