Pullups vs. Chinup: what is the difference? There is a pretty good reason that so many people choose to do chinups over pullups. The former exercise allows for a fuller range of motion than pullups do (hence the name ‘pullup’). Chinups are also a lot easier to do and do not involve any special “muscle-building” exercise mechanics at all.
So what is the difference between a chinup and pullup then? Basically, a chip is performed while lying on your back with your head facing up. In a chip, your palms should be facing toward the ground and your elbows should be perpendicular to the ground. In other words, you should be looking towards the ground and not out at it.
A pullup, on the other hand, is performed while leaning against a sturdy surface. The difference in pullups and chinups becomes apparent when one tries to raise their feet during a chip. When one performs a pullup, they generally raise their heels (or feet, as in the case of a runner) and try to “stretch” their arms as much as possible. This can stretch the tendons in the lower body and lead to injuries such as pulled tendons, MCL (medial knee collar bone), AC (acromioclavicular joint), and PC (Posterior pelvic muscle). Pullups can also lead to the development of torn rotator cuff tendons.
So why do people decide to perform a chip instead of a pullup? In actuality, there is no real reason. Pullups are a lot harder than a chip, but that isn’t because they require more technical ability. Pullups are actually easier than many traditional exercises. They require strength, speed, and technique. And, unlike chimps, pullups build a lot of abdominal strength.
What makes a pullup vs. chinup: what is the difference? The answer to that question isn’t quite as simple as one would like for it to be. If you look at it from a broad perspective though, the difference between the two exercises is fairly clear. The pulldown exercise places greater stress on the oblique muscles. Chinups place greater stress on the latissimus dorsi and gracilis muscles.
There is one particular situation where both chins and pullups make sense. If your goal is to perform chips with a hangover, then chips are the way to go. Pullups will give you a bit of a workout if you’re just getting started, and if you want to do a full pullup (including a chin finish) you will have to pull up, regardless of whether you’re doing a chinup or pullup.
That being said, there’s really no way to determine what the best option between a chinup and pullup is for you. Everyone’s body is built differently, and everyone has different goals in mind. If you’re looking to get in shape, then chips may well be the best exercise you can perform. Pullups can also help you build your biceps and forearms. If you want to develop great power, then pulls could be the choice for you.
As always, it is critical to remember that everyone’s body is different and so is their training routine. When choosing which exercise is best for you, be sure to keep in mind how you will utilize each one. While chinups seem to be the best choice for many people, they are not the right choice for others. Consider adding in some pullups to your training if you struggle with chips.
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to choosing exercises between a chinup and pullup is focusing on form instead of effectiveness. Many new people are tempted to do more repetitions with chips to make them look better, but this is a terrible idea. Chins work by requiring you to use much more of your muscles, and that is what leads to strength and endurance. Doing too many reps with a poor form will not help you get any stronger, but it will definitely lead to increased fatigue. On the other hand, doing fewer reps with a good form will help you build strength quicker, but it will also make you more tired.
When comparing chips to pullups, consider what it would be like to have to pull yourself up with your elbows while holding nothing against your chin. I don’t think most people can do this, and so it’s probably a pretty boring way to train, but it’s an exercise that does happen in the gym. A pullup is just a variation of a chip. Both exercises are effective when performed correctly, so just focus on form instead of worrying about aesthetics.
The bottom line is that there really isn’t much difference between chinups and pullups in terms of how effective they are for training. While many people have chosen to perform chips to look better, they’re actually quite useless for building functional strength. Pullups are superior for this reason, and I highly recommend trying them out if you’re looking to improve your overall physical health. If you’re looking to develop functional strength and body size, pullups are clearly the way to go.
