Kipping pull-ups are a great variation on a traditional exercise that incorporates an explosive element into the movement.

Kipping pull-ups are a great variation on a traditional exercise that incorporates an explosive element into the movement.Kipping pull-ups provide a great alternative for those folks who can do multiple sets of 10 repetitions of traditional pull-ups. 

Quite frankly I find pull-ups to be pretty boring. 

The grind it out nature of the exercise combined with the fact that I can do sets of 12-15 repetitions make doing pull-ups drudgery.   The Kipping variety incorporates explosive hip extension and makes this a more athletic and challenging exercise.

The key to properly performing Kipping pull-ups is to relax the grip and shoulders as you dropping during the downward phase before tightening up and exploding the hips as you pull up to the bar.  I just started working on these; I’ll be the first to admit my form still needs a bit of work. 

After all, I’m 45 going on 46-years old and my shoulders aren’t what they used to be!  I’ve found that being able to relax the shoulders during the drop phase – which means you have to have full range of motion in the shoulders – is the key to being able to do this exercise properly.

As a matter of fact, as I’ve worked on Kipping pull-ups my shoulder range of motion has improved, as has my pain-free range. I’ve tried to explain this move before, but think that you’ll get much more out of watching me do a set.  When you get good at doing Kipping pull-ups you can add a weight vest to the mix to kick up the difficulty a notch.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here