How to do more pull ups? Yep. I’ve typed that into Google more times than I want to admit.
Honestly, I just wanted to do one. One clean pull-up. No jumping. No resistance band. Just me and the bar.
But it felt impossible.
I’d hang there. Legs shaking. Grip slipping after five seconds. And right next to me—some guy casually cranking out 15 like it’s nothing.
I tried dead hangs. Tried scap pulls. Core work. Even TikTok hacks. Still couldn’t lift myself up.
That’s when I gave the pull up machine a shot. You know—the one everyone acts like they don’t need. Not flashy. But honestly? It helped. A lot.
If you’re like me—125 lbs, still figuring out gym life, just trying to feel strong—this guide’s for you. I’ll show you exactly how I used the pull up machine to finally make real progress.
Let’s get into it.
How to do more pull ups? For me, it started when I stopped doing it the hard way.
I kept trying bodyweight pull-ups and just failed, over and over. The pull up machine changed that. It gave me a way to practice without feeling crushed every time I tried.
Here’s what it actually works on—and why it helps so much:
🔹 Muscles I’m working (just like real pull-ups):
• Lats – those big pulling muscles down your back.
• Biceps – yep, my arms still feel it hard.
• Shoulders – especially my rear delts and stabilizers.
• Core – I need it to stay tight, so I’m not swinging around.
Even though the machine helps, I still have to engage all these muscles. I’m not just letting the machine do everything—I’m still working for it.
🔹 Why this helps me:
• I can finish full reps, and my form stays on point.
• I build real pulling strength, not just grip endurance.
• It lets me progress bit by bit—more work, less guessing.
• I actually feel what a clean pull-up should feel like.
How to do more pull ups with the machine? No clue what I was doing when I first got on.
Pretty sure I stared at that thing for a full minute. The platform, the handles, the pin—it looked confusing. I picked a random weight, stepped on, and yanked. It felt wrong. Either too easy or way too hard.
So I stopped guessing.
🔹 Here’s what I do now:
• I set the assist weight so I can do 5 to 6 reps. Not flying up. Not stuck. Just enough to fight for each pull.
• I grab the neutral handles—palms facing in. Feels more natural for me.
• I step on the platform with one foot first. Then the other. Knees bent, core tight—just trying to stay solid.
• Before pulling, I lock my shoulders down. No shrugging. Then I drive my elbows down, not just “pull up.”
• I pause at the top for a second. Then lower myself slowly. No bouncing. No dropping.
🔹 My setup every time:
• 3 sets
• 6–8 reps
• 60–90 seconds rest
If it feels easy, I drop the assist next time.
I used to feel embarrassed using this machine. Now it’s the part I look forward to most.
Because this is where I started getting stronger.
How to do more pull ups over time? I had to treat it like a plan—not a wish.
At first, I just did whatever weight felt okay. But nothing changed. I stayed stuck. So I started writing things down. Week by week.
I took my time. No point rushing or cutting the assist too soon. I just kept it steady—clean reps, slow control, adding more when it felt right.
Here’s the rough plan I followed:
| Week | Assist Weight | Reps per Set | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | High assist | 5–6 reps | Just learning the motion |
| 2 | Same | 6–8 reps | Focused on slow lowering |
| 3 | Slightly less | 5–6 reps | Dropped one pin level |
| 4 | Same | 6–8 reps | Added a 1-second pause at top |
| 5 | Less assist | 4–6 reps | Tried neutral and wide grip |
| 6 | Same or lower | 6+ reps | Tested 1 bodyweight attempt |
Some weeks I stayed on the same weight. That didn’t bother me though. The goal wasn’t speed—it was strength.
And the moment I hit my first full bodyweight rep? I swear, I almost cried.
The machine got me there.
How to do more pull ups faster? The pull up machine helped. But it wasn’t enough on its own.
My grip would give out. My core wobbled. I couldn’t stay tight through the rep. That’s when I started adding a few extras. Nothing complicated—just stuff that helped me feel more stable and strong.
🔹 Dead Hangs
I hung from the bar after my sets. 10 to 20 seconds.
Built my grip fast. My shoulders stopped caving in. I felt way more solid under the bar.
🔹 Lat Pulldowns
Same pulling motion, just more control.
I used lighter weight and focused on my back.
Helped me learn how pulling should feel.
🔹 Hollow Body Holds
I used to swing a lot. Turns out, my core was weak.
So I started holding hollow shapes on the floor. Helped me stay tight during reps. Less movement. More power.
🔹 Banded Pull-Ups
Some days I swapped the machine for a band.
Felt more like a real pull-up. Different resistance, but still helped.
Doing these made the machine work better. I felt more control. More connection.
Not overnight. But when I went back to the machine—it all felt easier.
How to do more pull ups? I used to think the answer was “just keep trying.” But honestly, that left me frustrated.
The pull up machine gave me structure. It let me build strength without feeling defeated every time I trained.
And with the right setup, a few accessory moves, and a bit of patience—I finally did it.
One real pull-up. No band. No help. Just me and the bar.
Still figuring it out? Same here—it takes time. Don’t compare. Just show up, do the reps, and trust that it’ll come.
Because it will.
I’m Jessica Camp, a passionate fitness enthusiast and the creative force behind Inpek Fitness’s content. With over a decade in the fitness industry, I combine my expertise in exercise science with a deep knowledge of commercial gym equipment. I’m dedicated to promoting health and wellness by sharing valuable tips, training techniques, and the latest trends in Pin Loaded Machines, Plate Loaded Machines, Multi Function Gym Machines, Gym Multi, and Free Weights. Whether you’re a gym owner or a fitness enthusiast, my articles are crafted to inspire and empower you to reach your fitness goals. When I’m not writing, I love working out and exploring innovative fitness solutions.
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