Back in the old days before pulldowns, cable rows and DB Rows, building a strong, V-shaped back was pretty basic. You did pull-ups. That was it. And you know what? That was all you needed to develop an unbelievable backside.
Unfortunately, somewhere in the evolution of resistance training or “DE-evolution” as I call it, pull-ups fell out of favor. There has NEVER been a line at any pull-up bar at ANY Gym that Tami and I ave ever worked out in!
Pull-ups involve more motor units in your lats and rear delts than do pull-downs on a machine. For any given number of reps, pull-ups will ALWAYS create more demand on the muscle fibers of your upper back because, unlike pull-downs on a machine, you cannot “cheat” and use your lower back to move the load.
Second, the strength gains achieved from performing pull-ups are functional. They spill over into certain real life tasks, such as pulling yourself over a fence or up a steep rock face.
Third, there is something to be said for “pulling your own weight.” Its strength displayed in its purest form. Its the mark of a real man or woman.
Over 6 million people will see a doctor this year for back related problems. Using pull-ups, there is a good chance you will not be one of them.
When designing P90X Tony Horton centered the Resistance work around pull-ups. Tony is a smart man!
Pull-ups are hard. It is because of that very fact that we should work on them with as much intensity as we can muster. Are you a little nervous before Chest & Back or Legs & Back day? If you are, you are on the right track because you know its going to be hard and therefore effective.....
Life is too short to be weak...
Mike
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