Why Pull-Ups Are So Tough

Like many, pull-ups have always been a challenge for me. It’s not my favorite exercise. But pull-ups are the ultimate litmus test for upper body strength. They’re great at targeting several upper body muscles including the lats, biceps, shoulders, and even your core. So guess what? I’m doing it.

Pull-ups seem straightforward, right? Just hang from a bar and pull yourself up. But anyone who's tried to whip out a set knows there's way more to it than meets the eye. So, why is this seemingly simple exercise so difficult for many of us? Let's look into the mechanics of pull-ups, talk about why they can be so dang hard, and, most importantly, share some advice on how to get better at them.