Workout Description
Maximum weight (in lbs) added for a single successful pull-up.
Why This Workout Is Very Hard
A 1RM weighted pull-up demands advanced upper-body pulling strength, scapular control, and strict mechanics with heavy external load. While total volume is low, the intensity and technical standards are high. Many athletes will not add load, and those who can will approach near-maximal efforts, making the session neurologically taxing and highly skill-dependent.
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Strength (10/10): Primary stimulus is maximal pulling strength. Athletes recruit high-threshold motor units to complete a single strict rep under heavy external load.
- Power (6/10): A strong, crisp pull from a dead hang benefits from rate of force development, though it’s not as ballistic as Olympic lifts.
- Stamina (2/10): Low total reps across attempts. Some muscular endurance needed to maintain strict positions and control during multiple singles, but not a sustained volume challenge.
- Flexibility (2/10): Basic shoulder, thoracic, and elbow range of motion required. No unusual positions beyond full hang and chin-over-bar, but adequate mobility supports solid mechanics.
- Speed (2/10): No cycling or sprinting. Deliberate singles with planned rest; speed matters only in a strong, confident pull without grinding excessively.
- Endurance (1/10): Minimal cardiovascular demand. Short single attempts with long rests won’t elevate heart rate significantly. The session is neurological and strength-focused rather than aerobic or cyclical.
Scaling Options
Scale to: Heaviest strict pull-up without added load • 1RM chin-up (supinated) if stronger than pull-up • 1RM band-assisted strict pull-up (note band used)
Scaling Explanation
Each option preserves the intent: a maximal, strict single-rep vertical pull adjusted to your current strength while keeping standards and effort high.
Intended Stimulus
Heavy, focused singles with perfect standards. You should feel highly recruited in lats, biceps, and upper back, with a strong brace and zero momentum. Rest enough to make each attempt high quality. The goal is a clear, confident top single—no grinding reps, no soft range, and no kipping.
Coach Insight
Open with small jumps and lots of practice reps at light loads. Once within three attempts of your best, take 5–10 lb jumps and rest 2–3 minutes.
The one tip: start every pull from a motionless dead hang with a brutal midline brace.
Common mistakes: kipping to finish, loose core, rushing rests, and taking jumps that are too aggressive too early.
Benchmark Notes
Score is the heaviest external load (in pounds) successfully added for one strict pull-up. If you cannot add weight yet, your score is 0 lb. Progress through warm-up sets to a few heavy singles. Stop after a clear max or when form degrades.
Modality Profile
This is a single strict gymnastics movement performed with added load, but it remains a body control task rather than cyclical monostructural work or barbell/dumbbell lifting. The session is entirely focused on pulling strength and positions on the pull-up bar.
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