You vs. The Bar: Winning Your First Strict Pull-Up

There’s something incredibly empowering about getting your first strict pull-up. It’s more than just a cool party trick or a gym milestone—it’s a true test of upper body strength, core control, and determination. Whether you’ve been hanging from the bar wondering how on earth people make it look so easy, or you’re stuck at the halfway point, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the process step-by-step to help you build the strength, technique, and confidence needed to conquer your first strict pull-up—no momentum, no kipping, just raw power and progress.
1. Understand Why Strict Pull-Ups Matter
Strict pull-ups build foundational upper‑body and core strength, stabilizing muscles, and grip—all essential for CrossFit. Plus, CrossFit methodology emphasizes strict pull-ups before kipping to ensure shoulder health and technical base.
2. Warm-Up & Mobility
Prepare your shoulders, scapulae, and core with:
- Banded shoulder circles
- Scapular pull-ups: From a dead hang, shrug shoulders up then relax
- Joining the dots: lat pull-downs, hollow holds, or “behind‑the‑back” arm circles at the start of sessions
3. Eccentric (Negative) Pull‑Ups
A staple drill for beginners:
- Start with chin above the bar (jump or use step)
- Slowly lower to full dead-hang over 5–10 seconds
- Repeat 3–5 reps per set, 3–5 sets
This builds the exact muscles for the pull phase!
4. Isometric “Chin‑Over‑Bar” Holds
- Hold yourself with your chin above the bar for 5–15 seconds per rep.
- These develop top-end strength and teach your body to maintain position!
5. Segmented Negatives
Combine holds and negatives:
- Start chin‑over‑bar → lower a few inches → hold → lower more → hold → finish.
- This isolates harder parts of the range of motion
6. Assistance & Regression
Use assistance to practice full range:
- Bands: Start with thick bands for 8–10 reps, switch to thinner ones as you improve
- Chin-ups: Supinated grip reduces difficulty and engages biceps
- Inverted or ring rows: Great horizontal pull regressions (5–10 reps)
7. Frequency & Programming
Stick with consistency:
- 2–3 pull‑up sessions/week: mix endurance/hypertrophy (sets of 6–10, e.g. assisted) and strength (negatives, max holds)
- Some CrossFit gym templates alternate Volume and Max Effort days (e.g. ABA/BAB weekly cycles)
8. Measure Progress & Patience
- Track reps, hold time, band thickness etc.
- It may take weeks to months—strength progress is individual
- Celebrate small wins: longer holds, thinner bands, cleaner negatives
Day | Focus |
---|---|
Monday | Warm-up, Negatives (3x5 reps @ 5 sec), Chin over bar holds (3x10 sec), Assisted pull-ups (3x8) |
Wednesday | Shoulder/core prep, Segmented negatives (3 sets), Inverted rows (4x8-10) |
Friday | Warm up, Max negative holds (2x8 sec), Full negative reps (3x5), Chin ups/band pull-ups (3x6-8) |
9. Sample Weekly Plan
Extra: Walk-in/walk-out—do 2–3 slow negatives each time.
10. Transition to Full Pull-Up
Once you can do:
- ~5 reps of 5‑sec negatives
- Hold chin‑over‑bar for 15+ sec
- Assisted pull-ups with minimal band at ~8 reps
…Give a full pull-up attempt each session. When you finally lift yourself unassisted, it’s just the beginning—not the end.
11. Beyond the First Pull-Up
After one, build volume, then, kipping and chest‑to‑bar variations. But always return to strict strength to keep that solid base
In Summary:
- Prioritize strict strength first
- Use negatives, holds, regression drills
- Program smart—2–3 weekly sessions + daily micro-practice
- Track progress and celebrate mini‑wins
- Be patient—your first pull-up will come
Getting that first strict pull-up isn't just about proving strength—it’s about building a foundation for everything else. Stick with it, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll be pulling your bodyweight before you know it.
Happy training—and we at AP can’t wait to celebrate your first pull-up PR!







