Why Your Pull-Ups Feel Off (And How a Small Shift Can Change Everything)

Most pull-ups look the same.
They don’t feel the same.

You can get from point A to point B chasing a “chin over the bar” rep. That works… to a point. But if the goal is to actually build your back and shoulders in a way that feels connected, the details matter.

The Small Shift

From the video:

• Elbows drive down first

• Then move slightly around the bar

• Bring the bar toward your upper chest

That’s it.

For a lot of people, that alone changes:

• where they feel the movement

• how much the back is actually involved

• how controlled the rep feels

Same exercise. Different outcome.

Why This Matters

Pull-ups are one of those movements where you can “do them” for years and still be leaving a lot on the table.

Speaking from experience—we’ve both spent years training (including a gymnastics background), and still had to rework how we approached pull-ups to get more out of them.

The devil is in the details.

Not for the sake of being technical- but because those details actually change how the movement feels and develops over time.

There’s No Single Perfect Pull-Up

Different bodies move differently.

• Longer arms → often benefit from more structure and positioning

• Heavier lower body → more need for tension and control

• Goal (strength vs reps vs control) → changes execution

That’s why you’ll sometimes see:

• feet slightly in front

• small changes in torso angle and grip position

• different setups and alternatives depending on the person

Not to be fancy- just to get a better outcome.

It’s Not Just Pull-Ups

We take the same approach across everything:

• pull-ups

• lat pulldowns

• rows and single-arm work

• accessory work that actually carries over

Everything helps and feeds everything else.

The goal isn’t just to complete reps- it’s to build movements that transfer and keep progressing.

If You Try One Thing

Next time you’re on the bar:

• Don’t chase the bar with your chin

• Think elbows down first

• Then move slightly around the bar

• Let the chest come through a bit

Try it with bodyweight, banded, or feet-assisted.

It should feel different right away.

What We’re Building at Resilient Body

This is the same level of detail we’re bringing into our updated class lineup:

• Capacity - muscular endurance, aerobic base + pacing

• Perform - power, output, skill, and intensity

• Functional Pump (Sat) - full body, higher volume, and fun bring a friend vibe!

A more complete mix of:

• strength

• endurance

• movement quality

Built simply, coached with intent.

Final Note

Last week to take advantage of:
👉 Free Saturday class when you bring a friend

Good chance to experience the new format and bring someone along.

📣 Quick Announcements:

• New classes are in full swing!
  Final week to use code RBLAUNCH for $25off/class and bring a friend and you are both free on either class Saturday morning.

• Be on the lookout for more details about our upcoming Nutrition Seminar 5/2

• More App features are being added this and next Month
  Make sure you are set up and comfortable using the app. We have a few more updates, resources and a community board inside the app coming soon.

• 🏃 Annadel Half / 10K / 5K – THIS WEEK SATURDAY! April 18th is race day…
  We are on for the 5K and 10K
  👉 https://www.annadelhalfmarathon.com/

• New Personal Training Slots Available – Book a consult if you’re ready to level up

  💬 Got questions? Reply here or ask your coach next time you're in