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Neutral-Supinated Chin-Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Neutral-Supinated Chin-Up.

MediumMiddle back

About this exercise

The mixed grip chin-up uses one hand in a supinated (underhand) grip and one in a pronated (overhand) grip, creating an asymmetric pull that challenges the lats, biceps, and core stabilizers differently than a standard chin-up. This grip variation also reduces wrist fatigue for high-rep sets.

How to Perform

  • Grip the pull-up bar with one hand supinated (palm facing you) and the other pronated (palm facing away), shoulder-width apart
  • Hang at full arm extension with your shoulders engaged, not passive
  • Brace your core and cross your feet behind you to minimize swinging
  • Pull yourself upward by driving your elbows down and back until your chin clears the bar
  • Pause briefly at the top with your chest close to the bar
  • Lower yourself under control back to the dead-hang position
  • Alternate which hand is supinated on each set to balance muscular demand

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
BicepsRear shouldersOuter forearmTrapezius

About the Neutral-Supinated Chin-Up

The Neutral-Supinated Chin-Up is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.