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Weighted One Hand Pull Up

A one-arm pull-up performed with added load, an elite unilateral pulling expression for maximal lat and grip strength.

BackOtherVertical pull
GoLightWeight mediaweighted-one-hand-pull-up

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Latissimus dorsi

Secondary

BicepsForearmsCoreRear deltoids

Equipment

Other

Pattern

Vertical pull

Setup

  1. 01Only load this movement once strict one-arm pull-ups are consistent for multiple reps.
  2. 02Attach a small plate to a dip belt or wear a light vest; start with 2.5 kg or less.
  3. 03Grip the bar with one hand in a neutral or pronated position.
  4. 04Hang with the working shoulder packed and the free arm held tight to the body.

Execution

  1. 01Initiate by depressing the shoulder blade before bending the elbow.
  2. 02Pull the chin over the bar while resisting trunk rotation.
  3. 03Allow a slight natural body turn but keep the movement vertical.
  4. 04Lower over 2 to 3 seconds back to a straight-arm hang.

Checkpoints

  • -Shoulder stays packed, never hanging passively on the joint.
  • -Torso rotation is controlled, not a spin.
  • -Chin clears the bar without a neck reach.
  • -The descent is as controlled as the pull.

Common mistakes

  • -Attempting added weight without a solid unweighted one-arm pull-up.
  • -Gripping the working wrist with the free hand, which changes the exercise.
  • -Kipping or swinging to break the sticking point.
  • -Dropping through the eccentric and straining the elbow.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 6 sets of 1 rep per arm with full rest of 3 minutes or more.
  • -Keep total weekly volume low; the elbow and shoulder tissues need long adaptation time.
  • -Alternate blocks with weighted two-arm pull-ups to keep absolute load progressing.

Related exercises

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