Pull-Up Alternative
12 substitute exercises that target the same muscles
Close-Grip Chin-Up
Ring Wide-Grip Inverted Row on Floor
Weighted Hang Chin-Up
Chin-Up (Isometric & Negative)
Close-Grip Pull-Up
Wide-Grip Rear Pull-Up
Inverted Row
Dumbbell Reverse-Grip Row
Jumping Pull-Up
Cable Reverse-Grip Straight Back Seated High Row
Chin-Ups (Narrow Parallel Grip)
Weighted Chin-Up
Criteria used to find exercise alternatives
Same target muscles
We rank alternatives highest when their primary muscles exactly match. i.e: same target muscle, different movement.
Full muscle overlap
Secondary muscles and synergists are scored too, keeping the overall movement pattern close to the original lift.
Equipment considered
Equipment overlap nudges similar-kit options up the list. But we include different-equipment alternatives too so you're never stuck.
What the Pull-Up trains
Primary Biceps Brachii Latissimus Dorsi
Secondary Brachialis Rhomboids Teres Major Trapezius Lower Fibers Trapezius Middle Fibers