Dec 8, 2025 · What muscles do pullups work? Here, experts explain exactly what muscles you're training when you hit the bar to do the comprehensive upper body exercise.

Sep 15, 2024 · Pull-ups work almost all of the muscles in your back, with the notable exception of your spinal erectors. That includes your rear delts, rotator cuff, rhomboids, lats, and mid and lower traps.

Dec 17, 2025 · All pull-ups train the back, but standard pull-ups provide the most balanced development. Wide-grip and chest-to-bar variations increase lat and upper-back emphasis, while neutral-grip pull …

Read our definitive guide on pull ups! Discover all of the muscles involved, the countless benefits and how to do the perfect pull up.

Oct 21, 2024 · Pull-ups primarily target the latissimus dorsi (aka "lats"), the largest upper body muscle (by surface area) [1]. This muscle is responsible for the downward and inward movement of the …

Jul 24, 2025 · When you perform a pull-up, your body relies on several major muscle groups. The primary muscles involved include: 1. Latissimus Dorsi (Lats) Your back is made up of these broad, …

Aug 5, 2024 · Pull-ups work the lats, pecs, shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms as well as chest-down muscles like the core, glutes, quads, and hamstrings, says Rivera. “The pull-up is a pretty …

Dec 2, 2025 · Pull-ups are a highly effective compound exercise that primarily target the latissimus dorsi, the large muscles in the back responsible for pulling movements. Additionally, they engage the …

Pull-ups train both your lats and arm flexors effectively. By using a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width, you get a good range of motion and high muscle activation in all the working muscles.

Oct 18, 2023 · What muscles do pull-ups work? The main muscles worked during pull-ups are the back muscles, more specifically: Pull-ups also work the teres major, teres minor, infraspinatus, forearms, …