This was probably on a whim, but I stopped by a store that I never would have stepped into and purchased one of those doorway pull up bar things. You always see ads for those three-month fitness programs on TV (you know the ones I’m talking about). One in particular seems to make use of pull ups as part of the program. After poking around online and reading about the benefits of pull ups I decided that I wanted to give pull ups a shot myself. Heh. I was under no illusions that I’d even be able to do one. I mean, my upper body strength isn’t all that great. I didn’t want to get a bar that would have to be mounted permanently anywhere, so I specifically went for the one that I can stash away when not in use. After a bit of a messy assembly experience I hanged the thing on my door frame, grabbed on, got my feet off the ground, and pulled as hard as I could. I think I managed to raise myself an inch but that was all I could muster. Well, hey, at least I’m in the majority. It’s probably safe to say that the majority of people can’t do one either.
Instead of being disappointed, I took to YouTube to look up how various people do assisted or beginner’s pull ups. One of the more popular methods is to use a chair to alleviate some of the body weight. The point is not to use the legs to push the body up to meet the bar; you’re still supposed to use the arms to pull yourself up to the bar. From what I read, it’s the easiest (HA!) way to build up the strength to the point where you’re can do at least one unassisted. So, I took a nearby stepping stool and propped it under the bar. I got myself into position and pulled myself up. Yes, absolutely, assisted pull ups are much easier. Though, I wonder, is the support making them far too easy? I don’t know. Anyway, after seeing where my abilities were, I’ve decided to make it a small goal of mine to get to the point where I no longer need assistance to do a pull up. Might take a long while, but if I have a persistence and patience I’ll be able to do it.
I think.
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