The pull-up is one of the most effective exercises you can do for your back, chest, and arms. It’s also a great way to stay in shape without having to go to the gym.
Towel pull ups are a great way to get in some exercise when you’re at home. But if you want to do rope climb, towel pull ups aren’t going to cut it.
If you’ve read any of my books, you’ve probably seen me do a number of workouts using manila rope. I’ve shown many rope workouts throughout the years, whether it was on a collection video or in a book like Untapped Strength. Thick ropes, in particular, have always been a favorite training tool of mine. The benefits of frequent rope exercise on hand and grip strength are obvious. However, improved lower arm strength isn’t the only advantage.
More significantly, a piece of rope may often provide workout chances that would not otherwise be available.
Pull-ups using a rope
On Instagram, I recently posted a cropped version of the picture above. When looking at that picture alone, you may not notice that the tree isn’t exactly what you’d think of as a pull-up candidate. The uncropped picture removes this ambiguity by emphasizing the tree’s vertical nature. It’s clear that it’s not the same as the horizontal limb seen below.
Fortunately, a length of rope transforms the mostly vertical limb in the upper photo into an excellent pull-up station. Pull-ups from this tree would be far less probable if I didn’t have the rope. A level branch isn’t accessible until almost 30 feet above the ground. As a result, the rope not only provides a lower arm challenge, but it also allows for pull-ups that would not otherwise be possible. It offers a level position for pulling while also extending my reach by several feet.
It’s a choice, not a must
When looking for outdoor pull-up spots, a rope isn’t the only method to increase your reach. However, it’s always great to have more than one choice, especially if that option comes with extra advantages. Rope pull-ups, as previously said, are a great method to improve grip strength.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that the ropes I use for outdoor pull-ups are longer (6 feet) than the ones I’ve shown before. If you’re a regular visitor to this blog, you may remember watching the video below from 2013. I show various shorter ropes in the video. These ropes are, by definition, more suited for indoor usage. I usually have a longer rope in my bag when I go outdoors.
Last Thoughts
Pull-ups are one of my favorite exercises, as everyone who knows me knows. With that in mind, I’m constantly happy to enlist the help of additional individuals. Hopefully, this little post has sparked some interest in the different choices available in their community. Perhaps you’ve seen a tree limb that was just out of grasp before. A simple rope may be all that is required to start you pulling.
Although not everyone has a space to do pull-ups inside, with a little imagination, you can usually find a way. Getting outdoors is frequently the best answer, and it comes with extra advantages, as we’ve already discussed. As a result, practicing pull-ups outside is a win-win scenario. You’ll not only get some exercise, but you’ll also improve your grip and pull strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rope pull-ups harder?
Rope pull-ups are harder than hand pull-ups because they require more upper body strength.
Can you do pull-ups with a rope?
Yes, you can do pull-ups with a rope.
Why you are not good at pull-ups?
I am not good at pull-ups.
