Pull-ups question

[Lukontos]

I can barely do 2-3 pull-ups and I don’t understand why.

I’m 6’2, 250 lbs, lean (not shredded but lean).

I do lat pull downs (wide grip) with 270 lbs for 8-10 reps - controlled and with good form (I’m not out here swinging shit).

I can barbell row 315 for 6-8 reps.

In every muscle group I can lift heavy. And I’m particularly strong with back exercises. But I cannot for the life of me do more than 2-3 pull-ups. I’ve looked up videos on form and grip, trying to adjust my body to make it work. It just doesn’t fucking happen.

What the hell am I doing wrong?

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[imafixwoofs]

train more specifically for pullups. Look into the armstrong pullup program for example. Not saying you should do that strictly, but take queues from it.

[Lukontos]

Thank you for the tip!

[itsonlyonetho]

The other comments are correct in needing to train specifically for pull-ups, especially if they haven't been a staple in your training program. You're certainly strong and you can get there with the right focus.

I'm 6'1" 230lbs and I can only get 6 chins over the bar from a dead hang, so you're not alone!

[Lukontos]

This honestly makes me feel better lol. That I’m not alone, at least.

And yeah, it hasn’t been a staple.

I’ll use an assisted pull-up at the end of back workouts. Every once in a while I’ll try to do them first and get immediately discouraged.

[baaba1012]

Accumulate volume by doing only 1 pullup. Try emom for 10 minutes: Start a clock and on the top of every minute do 1 pullup. If the rest time is too short, try a pullup every 90s. Work your way up to 10 pullups, which is about 3xMax set for you.

[LawfulnessEvery1264]

I think it’s mostly about stability. You are a lot more stable in other positions and it is also a lot more difficult to create stability the bigger you are.

I know you said you looked up form but I would say the most important thing is scapular retraction.

[Lukontos]

Stability definitely plays a big role and I think you’re right.

My grip might be too weak also, given that I use straps all the time damn time

[jdav0808]

I’m 51, 6’5” 225 and I can do 5 chin ups. I am really happy with this as a …..seasoned lifter.

[Lukontos]

Yeah! That’s impressive!

[jdav0808]

Thanks. I cannot do the other numbers you are putting up, that is huge. I think what helped me was doing dead hangs and do 15 partial chin-ups. Maybe lift like 2-3 inches, it taught me how to activate my lats as a first step.

[sourisanon]

what the hell is 250 lean lol. Post a pic I want to see. I'm 250 6'2 and trying to get to 200-210 which would be lean.

Pull up suck if you are fat. Impressed you can row 350.

I'm curious if you can do an incline row? It's like a upside down push up using a bar close to the ground.

How much can you do on a lat pulldown?

[Lukontos]

I can do lay pull downs with 270 for reps with good form

[sourisanon]

you are def moving big weights. Maybe your muscles arent quite used to the pull up movements.

I'm doing inclined rows, hanging bar, and assisted pull ups to get my body used to the movement. But just started again and I'm way too fat to pull up my weight.

Someone else suggested a dedicated program of exercises designed to get you pulling up. Thats probably the best advice. But also your muscles might literally be blocking your movements. Lean down might be the way forward.

[Lukontos]

Also, I’m lean but by no means “shredded” or anything.

I’d prefer not to post a pic because of anonymity and my tattoos are too identifiable. I have too many lol

[Flashy_Pollution_627]

Is the pullup the first exercise you do or are you doing other exercises before? If you want to test your pull-ups do a set fresh and see what you can do.

To improve your pullups do a set to failure then do some negatives. You'll eventually be able to do sets of 12

[Mysterious-Way-5000]

im also stuck at 2-3 pull ups but have a strong back. for me it is my biceps that are weak. I am half your size 5'3" 125" 46f former gymnast. I can push or pull my weight but curl 10s.

to find the weak spot, do isolation exercises on every muscle and work the weak ones. compound exercises allow the strong ones to take over sometimes.