Featured Question

How can I increase my max pull-ups?

Many people have a hard time doing even 1 pull-up, in fact, only a small percentage are able to do the maximum of 20 that is needed for a perfect score on the Marine PFT.  Why is this?  Here are a few reasons for this:

1. People don’t practice doing pull-ups enough.  No matter how strong your back muscles are, you will not be proficient at pull-ups unless you do them often.  They should be a part of your daily workout routine.  However, a lot of people neglect them and do them only when it is PFT time.
2. Improper technique.  If you don’t do pull-ups correctly, you will become tired quicker and will not be able to do as many.  For example: you should be using your back muscles for the pulling movement.  If you are using your arms, you will tire more quickly.
3. Overweight.  For those who are overweight, it is obvious that they have to pull more weight each time making it more difficult to achieve maximum results.
4. Lack of motivation and / or confidence.  This is one part that can help you perform better at anything.  Marines are known for having high levels of motivation, morale and self confidence.  If you are lacking in any of these, you will not perform as well as you could. 

 

To answer the question of how to increase your max pull-ups, I would suggest working on all of the above, especially number one.  Practice doing pull-ups the correct way, this will help you to build the necessary muscles that will allow you to improve your maximum pull-ups.  Strengthen your back muscles all that you can and when you are performing pull-ups, focus on using your back instead of your arms.  Last but not least, have confidence in your self and your abilities.  You can do anything you desire if you will only believe in yourself and work hard for the result you are looking for.