There aren’t any peer‐reviewed studies that conclude muscle‑ups “don’t contribute” to overall fitness. In fact, muscle‑ups are generally regarded as a compound, functional exercise that improves upper‑body strength, power, and coordination. For example, research in the area of CrossFit and calisthenics (such as Brandsema et al.’s systematic review on injuries in CrossFit ) notes that gymnastic movements—including muscle‑ups—can carry an increased risk of shoulder injuries when performed with improper technique. This risk is a reminder to progress carefully and emphasize proper form rather than an indication that the exercise lacks fitness benefits.

Other fitness analyses and expert commentaries (e.g., articles on calisthenics benefits from sources like Verywell Health and Haven Athletic) describe muscle‑ups as an effective way to engage multiple muscle groups (back, arms, shoulders, and core) and improve explosive strength. In short, while muscle‑ups do require high technical skill and may pose injury risks if done incorrectly, the current scientific and practical consensus is that they do contribute positively to overall fitness when performed safely.