Power Pullups
Description of exercise execution
A Power Pull-Up is a climbing-specific power exercise. Here’s how to perform it step-by-step (this description focuses on the Power Pull-Up with a clap — other variations are shown in the video):
Grip: Grab the bar with an overhand grip (palms facing away). Choose a shoulder-width, wider, or narrower grip — you’re already familiar with the variations from the video.
Create tension: Actively pull your shoulder blades down and back to create a strong and stable starting position. Keep your upper body lightly engaged to avoid using momentum.
Concentric pull (upward phase): Start by pulling yourself upward powerfully. The goal is to move powerfully enough to gain sufficient height. Pull with your arms while keeping the back and shoulders stable. Keep your torso upright as you “pull the bar down” with your arms. Once you reach maximum height, quickly clap your hands together mid-air. This requires quick reflexes to complete the clap before transitioning into the descent.
Eccentric phase (lowering): Re-grab the bar firmly during your downward motion. Maintain tension in your shoulder blades and core (abdominals and back) to avoid two common mistakes: falling into a “long shoulder” position and swinging excessively at the bottom of the movement.
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.
