Chisel Your Back & Shoulders

Use our pullup program to get a V-shaped body.

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Static Hang// © Images Courtesy of Men's Health

A V-shaped upper body conveys power in the boardroom as well as on the beach. You get that V by developing the latissimus dorsi, the largest muscle in your back. They require strength, flexibility, and balance; they recruit muscles from your back, shoulders, arms, and core. Whether you call them pullups or chinups, they work.

Move # 1: Static Hang

Unless you strengthen your grip, it will fail long before your arms, shoulders, or back.

Grab the bar with an overhand grip and hang with your arms straight. Once you can hang for 60 seconds, wrap a towel around the bar. The thickness makes your finger and forearm muscles stretch. Work at this until you can hang for 60 seconds.