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Counter-Weight One Arm Pull Up Progressions

Muscles worked

  • Bicep
  • Lat
  • Forearm Flexors
  • Chest
  • Trapezius

Equipment

Pull Up Bar or Gymnastic Rings
Pull Up Bar or Gymnastic Rings
Weight Plates or Kettlebells
Weight Plates or Kettlebells

Form Cues

  • Attach a pulley, cable, or resistance band to assist the non-working hand — this provides the counterweight that offloads part of your bodyweight during the pull

  • Grip the bar with your working hand using a supinated (chin-up) or neutral grip, whichever feels strongest and most comfortable on your elbow and shoulder

  • Depress and retract the shoulder blade of the working arm before initiating the pull — pack the shoulder down away from your ear to engage the lats properly

  • Pull yourself up until your chin clears the bar, driving the elbow down and back while keeping the forearm vertical throughout the movement

  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for 2-3 seconds on every rep — the slow negative builds tendon strength and motor control critical for one arm pulling

  • Keep your core braced and legs slightly forward to prevent your body from rotating or twisting to the side of the working arm

  • Minimize the assistance from the counterweight progressively over weeks — reduce band thickness, cable weight, or hand grip on the support to build true unilateral strength

  • Work both sides equally in sets and reps to prevent strength imbalances — always start with your weaker arm first

Common mistakes

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