The Chin-Up: How to Properly Do It

In my experience the chin-up is one of the most effective upper body exercises there is.  Very few upper body exercises can develop the muscles of the upper body like the chin-up.  There are many variations of the chin-up.  In the video Meredith demonstrates how to properly perform a chin-up with a shoulder width grip.  This variation offers the greatest range of motion for the lats and biceps[1].

Important Note:  As great as the above exercise is if done properly, very poor form is often seen.  The most common form breakdowns are the following:

1. Not clearing the bar with the chin on the top of the exercise
2. Not fully extending the elbows on the bottom of the exercise
3. Swinging the body excessively

Give this exercise a try and see what happens!

References:
1.  Poliquin, C.  2013.  Poliquin Principles.  Providence, RI: Poliquin Performance Center.