
beginner pull-up specialization
v1by FitnessGrid
An 8-week evidence-based program to achieve the first unassisted pull-up using progressive overload and vertical mastery phases.
strengthpull-upcalisthenicsprogressive-overload
Get an AI coach that uses this skill
FitnessGrid is an AI coach that plans your week and adapts as you go. Install beginner pull-up specialization and your coach will follow this protocol every week, learn from what you actually do, and adjust on the fly.
- Your coach builds the week from this skill
- Adapts to your actual progress, not a static template
- Free to start — no credit card, ~60 seconds to set up
Procedure
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Initial Assessment: verify the user currently performs between 0 and 5 unassisted pull-ups. If they exceed 5, suggest a more advanced volume program instead.
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Phase 1 (Weeks 1-3): Foundation Building
- Create a 3-day per week schedule (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri) using
create_week. - In each session, use
add_exerciseto include:- Inverted Bodyweight Rows: 3 sets of 8–12 reps.
- Dead Hangs: 3 sets for 20–40 seconds.
- Scapular Pull-ups: 3 sets of 10 reps.
- Progression Note: Use
create_noteto instruct the user to lower the bar height each week for rows and increase hang time by 5 seconds.
- Create a 3-day per week schedule (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri) using
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Phase 2 (Weeks 4-6): Transition to Vertical
- Transition the primary focus to eccentric (lowering) movements.
- Update the 3-day schedule with:
- Negative Pull-ups: 4 sets of 3–5 reps (start at 5s descent, progress to 8s+).
- Elevated Feet Inverted Rows: 3 sets of 6–8 reps.
- Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 10 reps.
- Log coaching cues using
create_note: "Imagine trying to bend the bar" and "Pull ribcage to bar, not chin."
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Phase 3 (Weeks 7-8): Peak and Test
- Week 7 (Intensity):
- Negative Pull-ups: 3 sets of 2–3 reps (10-second max effort descents).
- Isometric Holds: 2 sets (chin above bar for max duration).
- Week 8 (Deload & Test):
- Days 1-3: Reduce total sets/volume by 50%. Use light rows and 10s hangs. Do not train to failure.
- Day 5: Test Day. Instruct the user to perform a warm-up and then attempt maximum unassisted pull-ups.
- Week 7 (Intensity):
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Recovery and Form Integration
- Use
rememberto store total sets performed and successful hold times to ensure progressive overload in subsequent weeks. - Provide form reminders for each workout session:
- Grip: External rotation to engage lats.
- Core: Maintain a "hollow body" position to prevent swinging.
- The Start: "Chest to the ceiling" to ensure scapular initiation.
- Use