Can most people do a pull-up?
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Anonymous
| I am a 51 year old woman and I cannot do one. It is now my goal. Is it awful I can’t do one? Reasonable to think I might be able to? I am also 5’7” 140. Just looking for some perspective as to how out of shape I am (and I know these tend to be easie for men). Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I'm guessing most women cannot.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/28/women-pull-ups_n_5610305.html |
Anonymous
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The overwhelming majority of women can't do them, especially not overhand.
So, no, not awful that you can't do one. And it can take a while to be able to do them--most women struggle to build the upper body strength necessary. |
Anonymous
| I’m 35 and cannot. 5’2 125 lbs in excellent cardio shape but need to work on strength. |
Anonymous
| I haven’t tried in decades, so I’m going to guess no. I’m 45 F |
Anonymous
| Nope |
Anonymous
|
It took me a ton of work in the gym to get to one, and I was specifically focusing on being able to do a pull up as a goal. You have to train the right muscles.
And I'm naturally short and small, with a small body and muscular limbs. |
Anonymous
| I can do 3. I’m 35 and was blessed with upper body strength. |
Anonymous
| OP here. Thanks so much for the replies! Seems like it varies widely and may be particular to body type / inherent strength. Having been an athlete when I was younger (D1) I find it really hard to know what I should be able to do, and what is simply unattainable anymore. Thanks again. |
Anonymous
| I’ve worked hard to be able to do one unassisted and still haven’t gotten there. Got close, but started to have a lot of forearm pain. I lift heavy in the gym, 15-30 pounds for upper body work, so I’m strong. Agree with PP, you have to work a very specific group of muscles. One of the trainers at the gym told me you need those specific muscles 2x/week at least to be able to do them. |
Anonymous
| I can do 6 chin ups, max. I’m a woman, and it’s taken me months to get here (in addition to a couple of years of lifting weights). I would start with chin ups and work towards pull ups. Chin ups are a bit easier (but nevertheless still very challenging) because they recruit the biceps as well as back (which is what I want). |
Anonymous
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OP—Get a copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women. It’s a fabulous resource and maps out a 6 month routine building towards doing pull-ups.
I love it. —another 51 year old |
Anonymous
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When I was young and in shape, yep
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Anonymous
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No, and I am not interested 
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Anonymous
| No, I definitely cannot. |