ABC Pullups
Description of exercise execution
ABC Pull-Ups are a combination exercise targeting both pulling and lock-off strength. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Grip: Hold the bar with an overhand grip (palms facing away). Choose a shoulder-width, wider, or narrower grip — you can view the different grip options in the video.
Create tension: Actively pull your shoulder blades down and back to establish a stable starting position. Keep your upper body lightly engaged to avoid using momentum.
Concentric pull (upward phase): Pull yourself up in a controlled manner by driving your elbows downward toward your hips. Pull until you reach the targeted elbow angle.
Lock-off phase: Hold the position at the desired elbow angle, either with both arms or one arm, for the desired duration.
Eccentric phase (lowering): If necessary, re-grip the bar with your second hand. Lower yourself slowly and under control, maintaining tension in the shoulder blades to avoid falling into a passive “hanging” position.
Avoid the “long shoulder”: Don’t let yourself completely fall into a passive hang. Always keep a slight baseline tension in your shoulders (the shoulder blades should stay down and centered). This helps minimize the risk of injury.
Repeat: Perform the sequence — concentric pull, lock-off phase, and eccentric lowering — for the desired number of repetitions.