Skip to main content

Best Advanced Back Workouts With Pull Up Bar

About

The pull up bar is an elevated piece of equipment designed for bodyweight exercises such as Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, and Elevated Leg Raises, as well as its use in more compound movements by integrating additional equipment.

Advanced exercises incorporate complex and intensive movements, suitable for individuals with over four years of consistent training experience, capable of managing increased repetitions and weights.

These exercises predominantly engage back muscles, located in the upper posterior region of the torso, which are essential for pulling motions and certain shoulder actions, enhancing functional strength and stability.

The 14 Best Advanced Back Exercises with Pull Up Bar

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Bar Muscle Up

    Bar Muscle Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    25,966
    Back Strength
    39 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Bar Muscle Up is an upper body exercise done on a pull-up bar. It involves pulling yourself up and transitioning into a dip, building strength in your shoulders, arms, and back.

    How to do it

    1. Grip the bar with your palms facing away and use a false grip (thumbs not wrapped around).
    2. Pull yourself up by driving your elbows down towards your ribs until your chest reaches the bar.
    3. Shift your chest forward to go over the bar, tucking your elbows towards your armpits.
    4. Finish by pushing up until your arms are straight over the bar, then lower yourself back down to start.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 2. Chin Up

    Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,940,326
    Back Strength
    54 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    Chin Ups are a bodyweight exercise that mainly works your back and biceps. They are performed on a pull-up bar with an underhand grip, helping you build strength and muscle mass.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing you.
    2. Engage your core by taking a deep breath and tightening your stomach.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 3. Neutral Grip Pull Up

    Neutral Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    873,525
    Back Strength
    46 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Neutral Grip Pull Up is an exercise that strengthens your back, biceps, and forearms using a grip where your palms face each other. It’s easier on the shoulders and wrists, making it great for beginners or those with joint concerns.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing each other.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 4. Pull Up

    Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,756,760
    Back Strength
    89 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    Pull Ups are a challenging exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps using just your body weight. Beginners can modify this exercise with assistance or weights for a more manageable workout.

    How to do it

    1. Grip the pull-up bar with your palms facing away from you.
    2. Engage your core by taking a deep breath and tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows and keeping them close to your body.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 5. V-Bar Pull Up

    V-Bar Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    201,655
    Back Strength
    62 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The V-Bar Pull Up strengthens the middle back, biceps, and lats using a special V-bar grip. This exercise focuses on the middle to lower lats and enhances overall back strength.

    How to do it

    1. Place the V-bar on the pull-up bar and grip the handles with palms facing each other.
    2. Engage your core by breathing into your stomach and tightening your abs.
    3. Pull yourself up by bending your elbows in towards your ribs; lean your head to one side as you reach the bar.
    4. Lower yourself back down and repeat, leaning your head to the opposite side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 6. Wide Grip Pull Up

    Wide Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    740,475
    Back Strength
    37 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Wide Grip Pull Up strengthens your upper back, lats, and biceps while focusing on the outer lats to enhance back width. It's a tough exercise ideal for those wanting to boost upper body strength and achieve a V-shaped torso.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing away and hands wider than shoulder-width.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abs.
    3. Pull your chest towards the bar by bending your elbows down towards your sides.
    4. Lower your body back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 7. Archer Pull Up

    Archer Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    87,693
    Back Strength
    36 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Archer Pull Up is a challenging variation of the pull-up that involves shifting your body side to side. It's great for improving speed and efficiency in pull-ups, perfect for athletes.

    How to do it

    1. Grasp the pull-up bar with your hands wider than shoulder-width using an overhand grip.
    2. Pull your chin above the bar while leaning towards one hand.
    3. Lower your body back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    4. Next, pull up again while leaning towards the opposite hand.
    5. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 8. Loop Band Pull Up

    Loop Band Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    100,969
    Back Strength
    50 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Pull Up is a great exercise that strengthens your back and helps you work towards doing full Pull Ups. Using a loop band gives support, making it easier as you approach the bar while building strength.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the loop band to the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Put one foot in the band and grip the bar with your hands overhand.
    3. Hang with arms straight and body in a line.
    4. Engage your core and pull your chest to the bar by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 9. Loop Band Chin Up

    Loop Band Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    50,902
    Back Strength
    84 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Chin Up is a beginner-friendly exercise that uses a resistance band on a pull-up bar to help you with chin-ups. It assists in lifting some of your body weight, making it easier to build upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the band to the center of the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Step into the stirrup with one foot and grip the pull-up bar underhand.
    3. Hang with your arms straight and body straight.
    4. Engage your core and pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 10. Loop Band Negative Pull Up

    Loop Band Negative Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    33,285
    Back Strength
    57 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Negative Pull Up is a modified version of the Negative Chin Up, using a wider grip to help strengthen your lats, biceps, and shoulders. The loop band offers support, letting you lower yourself slowly to improve muscle endurance and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Anchor the band at the center of the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Step one foot into the stirrup and grab the pull-up bar with an overhand grip.
    3. Start with your chest close to the bar and your chin above it.
    4. Engage your core and slowly lower yourself down into a dead hang position.
    5. Push back up to the starting position and repeat.
  • 11. Loop Band Negative Chin Up

    Loop Band Negative Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    22,114
    Back Strength
    60 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Loop Band Negative Chin Up is an exercise that helps you strengthen your upper body by focusing on the lowering part of a chin-up. Using a resistance band, you can practice controlled descents, which build muscle in your arms and back, making it easier to do chin-ups without assistance.

    How to do it

    1. Anchor the band to the pull-up bar to create a foot stirrup.
    2. Place one foot in the stirrup and grip the bar with your palms facing you.
    3. Start with your chin above the bar.
    4. Engage your core and slowly lower yourself until your arms are straight.
    5. Return to the starting position and repeat.
  • 12. Butterfly Pull Up

    Butterfly Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    17,128
    Back Strength
    69 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Butterfly Pull Up is a fast, circular movement variation of the traditional pull-up. It helps improve efficiency and endurance, targeting the upper back, shoulders, arms, and core strength. This exercise is best for those who can do regular pull-ups and want to level up their performance.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with an overhand grip and extend your arms.
    2. Swing your body forward so your back is straight and your torso is in front of your arms.
    3. As you swing back, pull your chest to the bar by bending your elbows.
    4. Make sure your chin is above the bar at the peak of the movement.
    5. Continue the swinging motion for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 13. Mixed Grip Pull Up

    Mixed Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    200,645
    Back Strength
    49 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Mixed Grip Pull Up involves one hand facing forward and the other facing towards you. This exercise strengthens your back and arms while also improving grip strength and balancing muscle strength.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with one palm facing away and the other facing you.
    2. Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your abs.
    3. Pull your chest up toward the bar by bending your elbows down and back.
    4. Lower yourself back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
    4
    6reps
  • 14. Scapular Pull Up

    Scapular Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    246,127
    Trapezius Strength
    48 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Scapular Pull Up is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your shoulder stability and works on pulling your shoulder blades together. It helps improve your upper back strength and posture without lifting your body high like regular pull-ups.

    How to do it

    1. Grip the pull-up bar with your palms facing away and hands wider than shoulder-width.
    2. Start from a full hang position.
    3. Pull your shoulder blades down and together, lifting your body slightly without bending your arms.
    4. Think of this like a reverse shoulder shrug or bending the pull-up bar.
    5. Hold for a moment and then return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Advanced Workouts with Pull Up Bar

Alternative Back Workouts with Pull Up Bar

Alternative Advanced Back Workouts