Archer Pull Up vs Close Grip Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions vs 11. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Archer Pull Up and Close Grip Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Archer Pull Up vs Close Grip Chin Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions compared to 11 for Archer Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Archer Pull Up and Close Grip Chin Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Archer Pull Up and Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Archer Pull Up | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 11 sessions | 345 sessions |
How to Do Archer Pull Up
Archer Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the bar towards your chest while applying strength to one bicep to hold, and push the bar with the other side.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
- 3. Please do the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please make sure your back does not bend excessively.
- 3. Please be careful not to use momentum.
For a full Archer Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Archer Pull Up exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Chin Up
Close Grip Chin Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Close Grip Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Archer Pull Up or Close Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions against 11 for Archer Pull Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Archer Pull Up and Close Grip Chin Up need?
Archer Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Chin Up is the easier place to start. Move to Archer Pull Up once your form holds up.
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