Underestimating Chins

[Destroyer1986*]

I think I have made the big mistake of underestimating Chins (palms facing out). Although my back has grown very much from deads, I feel that I would have added extra mass if I had substituted lat pull downs with chins. My question is to all those who use chin-ups on their back day, is it really necessary for chins? should I rid of lat pulldowns and incorporate chin-ups? The problem is I can barely do one full rep in chin-ups. Does anyone know any techniques that could improve my ability to reach 2x8 of chins. My current back routine is as follows

Deads 5x5
Lat Pulldowns
Seated Rows 2x8

Thanx

 

[casualbb]

Got a chinup assist machine?

 

[Destroyer1986*]

Yes, Should I keep lat pulldowns while doing assisted chins then once i can complete a full 2x8 on chins get rid of pulldowns?

 

[casualbb]

No, lose the pulldowns anyway. It's a redundant motion.

 

[Forge]

I haven't done pulldowns in over a year. Chins and pullups are superior in every way. When you get real good at them, just add some weight.

 

[Backlash]

You can also start by doing the negatives. Just stand on a bench or jump up to the final part of the chin movement (all the way up) and slowly lower yourself down.

 

[theoak01]

chin assist it great,you will be suprised how fast the weights come off,Ive taken off 30lbs in 4 weeks,with same reps and sets

way better than pulldowns

 

[Synpax]

I do chins (underhand) every day 2 or 3 times a day to non-failure, but I also to back lat pulldowns with an overhand on my back day as the volume part of 5x5. I think that it is harder to cheat on pulldowns than pullups in terms of developing back.

But still, there is no substitute for being able to do 25 pullups - or even a one hand pullup. That in itself can be a goal.

 

[bigstve12]

man i get so frustrated with pull ups...i can do 12 and thats it...no matter how consistently i do them...its always 12, no more no less

 

[Synpax]

BigStve - try doing them to near failure a few times a day (2-3) and each week add one. You will be moving up in no time soon.

To develop bigger back muscles, try doing them with a weight belt. My old method which I may try again was 10 reps with 30, then 20, then 10, and then none.

 

[Destroyer1986*]

Thanx for the replies, I heard today from a friend who has a personal trainer, he said that using a narrower grip is much better for the lats than a wide-grip. He said your muscles get more of a workout with narrow grip. Is this true?

 

[Creepusmaximus]

Wide grip is the best for the back, as I see it.

 

[Aerojaxx]

I second your statement -creepusmaximus

 

[coolcolj]

ROM is better with a shoulder width grip, safer on the shoulders too.

 

[Destroyer1986*]

What is ROM?

 

[coolcolj]

Range of motion

 

[Destroyer1986*]

Thanx for the replies guys. I will incorporate the chins into my routine on Wednesday.

 

[psychedout]

Chins are a great exercise. Only problem is im recovering from a broken wrist, and they're to hard on it for now. Light lat pulldowns for now.

 

[WalkingBeast]

I just did them today to start out my back routine. They felt good on my back,despite the injury. Of course now Im feeling a slight pull and some rotator pain after doing dumbell rows with the 150's for 20 reps. I have a problem holding myself back. haha

 

[lavi]

I've been stuck doing pullups with no weight for the past month on 5x5. I've been doing first set of ten and then second set 8 the first week, 7, 6,then 8 this week. should I go back to pulldowns or just stick with pullups?

 

[Destroyer1986*]

Im no expert by any stretch of the imagination with chins but from what i read try holding on the negatives.