Make pull-ups possible

Having just written about the importance of building a reasonable amount of back strength, I decided it's only right that I also suggest a method of how to go about doing this very thing. So, pull-up a chair and listen, my friend.

On second thought, pull-up yourself! Then lower yourself ... and then pull yourself up again!! The classic pull-up is one of the best exercises you can do for your upper back muscles. Just the other day, I mentioned a variation of this move -- the alternating side chin-up. However, when it comes to pull-ups of any kind, there's one problem that is frequently encountered: they're too difficult. Some people can do 50 pull-ups, while others can't even complete one. Because pull-ups are a body weight exercise, how much you weigh will play almost as big a role as how fit you are in terms of your performance.

Fortunately, there are ways around this problem. First of all, many gyms have assisted pull-up stations, aiding you throughout the motion by allowing you to have to lift only a percentage of your weight. An at-home version of this machine can also be created by looping a resistance band under your feet and tying it off on both ends of the pull-up bar. Another way to build pull-up strength without doing standard pull-ups is to lie horizontally underneath a sturdy bar and perform them from this position. And lastly, if you're still bent on being able to do more traditional, full-motion pull-ups without the help of a machine, resistance band, or even a spotter, you should add weight to your frame. For example, if you can only perform three pull-ups, try wearing a backpack full of something fairly heavy and then perform as many as you can. Most gyms have special belts that allow you to hang weights from them for this very purpose. Over time, you will strengthen your back and arm muscles to a greater degree, enabling you to do more than your original three pull-up limit using only your own body weight.