In Pursuit of the Pull Up

It’s just days before 14.3 or the third 2014 Crossfit Games Open WOD is announced.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying to nail one single unassisted, show-me-the-bar pull up. I would have loved to participate in the Open but I truly suck. Like really suck. I am just not in the mood of putting myself out there and comparing myself to others. I get that it’s all about doing your best yadda yadda yadda. But I am not that committed and I have just returned to the box.

Right now my focus is on training for Calgary. But I admit I am insanely jealous. I wish I could throw copious amounts of weight over my head and do crazy gymnastic moves. I wish I could do pull ups, chest to bars etc. I’m just not there (dare I say) yet. The added pressure of putting my name out there for the whole world to see doesn’t motivate me either. Rather it would only make me feel worse about myself and shatter my already fragile self of worth.

Who needs that?

I will tell you though … I do have a Crossfit goal. I am giving myself 6 months to conquer the almighty pull up. I don’t have a plan. Not yet. That would make complete and logical sense. I haven’t thought that far in advance. But I will get there!

Do I should like a broken record? I think I may have written a similar post last summer. Ugh.

Okay I am committed this time. I need a plan. It’s coming. I need your help. What should I do? More focus on my back? I just don’t know. I don’t even know why this is so important to me. I want to be able to hurl my body over a damn bar. Is that so wrong?

Can you do pull ups? Please send your pull up tips my way!

17 Comments

  1. It took me a long time to get pull ups, but I have them now. Every time you go for a workout, grab a band and practise every time. I promise you will get them!

  2. Uugghh – I cannot do pull ups either as my upper body strength is NILL. Which is crazy for a runner to say, but honestly, it's very laughable to watch me try 🙂 I feel your pain…and can't wait to see what others suggest!!! Perhaps I'll join you in your goal to reach 1 pull-up in 6 months 🙂

  3. The dreaded pull up! I haven't attempted one in years but remember them well. I found using a chair in the beginning to be very beneficial to ease my muscles into the move while restricting my body weight. Good goal! You can do it!

  4. Oh the elusive pullup! I should join you on this goal but I feel I will need more than 6 months : )

    1. Oh no .. much strength in numbers! I need to find a plan then I will post it on my blog.

    1. Gosh I started then I got busy. Then I forgot. Then I remembered! I am determined this time!

  5. To start you have to do an assisted pullup by either someone holding you and helping you up or a stool or chair. It takes patience and effort to get the first one but if you keep going you will find you will be able to more and more until you can do a few unassisted. Every attempt will make you stronger…EVERY ATTEMPT.. the key is do not get frustrated and give up. You can do this.

  6. I never could do a pull up. We used to have to do them in gymnastics, and I could never do them without a "beat swing". My coach eventually took pity on me and allowed me to start with my chin at the bar and then lower slowly to hanging… like a reverse pull up.
    You'll get there. Easier said than done, I know, but i'm sure you'll get it!

  7. I used to be able to do a pullup when I was in gymnastics…we had to do them as conditioning training…haven't tried them in years. You can totally do it!!!

  8. I started 5 months ago to seriously apply myself to both exercise and diet and I came across your videos. I began to apply several routines and exercises of yours to my training plan, as well as your philosophy and your teachings in all areas, I have already lost more than 10 kilos thanks to the motivation that you deliver in the videos. Keep it up bro and I hope that both you and the BUFF ACADEMY family are healthy and come out in the same conditions.

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