Need a substitute for Chin ups

[workoutgirl]

I am a girl with a weak upper body, never was able to do the arm hang in middle school and still am doing sissy pushups with my knees on the floor.

Is there an excercise I can substitute for Chin-ups or should I use the Gravitron machine (I hate that thing)

Thanks,
Mandy

[jijin]

you can sub chinup or pullups with lat pulldowns with the similar grip. i.e. chinup = close grip pulldowns (with palms facing you)

[Bill2380]

A reverse push up is a good start.

[sona]

I was going to say something like that, too. I never ever thought I'd be able to chin my own body weight, but I got some good advice: to start with negatives--sort of hop-jumping myself up to the top chinning position, and then hang there, lowering myself as slowly as I possibly could. That, I was able to do. I did four of them as a set, and were my arms trembling!

But after a few weeks, I was able to do a real unassisted chin of my own! I can do 5-6 of them now in a set (although my form does degrade after I grow tired--can't do it from a dead hang as easily), and I want to keep going for more.

WorkoutGirl, have you ever tried negatives?

[Cynic]

Do the lat pull-down with a supinated grip.

I have no idea with a gravitron machine is, it sounds Star Trekian.

Else, use an assist machine if your gym has one. Nothing wrong with that.

[Mixxster]

Originally Posted by Cynic

I have no idea with a gravitron machine is, it sounds Star Trekian.

Else, use an assist machine if your gym has one. Nothing wrong with that.

A Gravitron is an assist machine, probably the original.

[Mikandrea]

WorkoutGirl,
Check out www.performbetter.com and pick up a superband. You can wrap them around the chinup bar and get some assistance, but still feel like you're accomplishing more vs. using the Gravitron. I have one and they work great. Best of luck.

Mike