Pull Up vs Close Grip Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 44. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pull Up and Close Grip Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pull Up vs Close Grip Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions compared to 44 for Close Grip Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pull Up and Close Grip Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pull Up and Close Grip Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Pull Up | Close Grip Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,437 sessions | 44 sessions |
How to Do Pull Up
Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pull Up exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Pull Up
Close Grip Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the bar with a narrow grip and spread your hands shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Pull your arms to bring your chest close to the bar.
- 3. Slowly extend your arms and return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Close Grip Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pull Up or Close Grip Pull Up?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions against 44 for Close Grip 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 Pull Up and Close Grip Pull Up need?
Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and Close Grip Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Pull Up is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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