The L Seat Pull Up

The L Seat is a basic static hold position from the rings and parallel bars in gymnastics. When added to the standard pull up it ads an extra abdominal workout and changes the weight angle on the back, lats and arms. Before attempting the pull up in L Seat it’s a good idea to practice the position on a dip bar with your arms at your side. Once you can hold the position for 10 seconds easily, then you are read to try the pull up version.

In my experience the hardest part of this exercise is breaking the hang at the bottom.

Here is a 5 rep set of L Seat Pull Ups:

Rope Grip Pull Up

Another challenging variation of the pull up is the rope grip pull up. I typically try this with a well worn double rope from the tricept pressdown machine draped over the neutral grip bars that are standard on most modern pull up setups at gyms. There are a number of other ways to accomplish this setup if you don’t have the right equipment. Also, if you don’t have access to a thick rope, or if you want a bigger challenge try using a towel instead.

Rope grip or any modified grip pull up adds extra challenge to the hands and forearms.

Here is a video of me doing 5 rope grip pull ups:

Putting it Together – The Rope Grip L Seat Pull Up

Put these two pull up variations together for a hardcore pull up workout. Try doing four sets of eight for a great arm, lat, upper back, and core workout.

Here is my best 5 rep set:

In order to accomplish this movement you must pull yourself up quickly and aggressively so that at the top of the motion you have time to let go of the bar with both hands and reverse your grip.

The hardest part of the switch grip pull up is getting the rhythm so that you can perform each repetition in a smooth safe manner. Based on my experience it is easier to start in the chin up (palms facing your body) position.

Switch Grip Pull Up – Close Up

Switch Grip Pull Up – Wide View

Switch Grip Pull Up Precautions

The switch grip pull up can be a dangerous exercise. First of all it is important to be able to do at least 10 pull ups and chin ups before attempting this exercise. When you are ready to try the switch grip variation, make sure that the ground below your feel is free of debris. Try to use a pull up bar that is about 6 inches off the ground. When doing the switch grip pull up it is easy to just barely miss when trying to regrip the bar and fall awkwardly to the ground. If the pull up bar is too low you run the risk of collapsing to the ground, if the bar is too high then you run the risk of injuring your ankle upon landing.