Towel Pull-Up

Technique

Drape a towel over a pull-up bar and grip one end in each hand instead of gripping the bar directly. Pull yourself up until your chin clears your hands, focusing on squeezing your back and gripping the towel tightly. Lower back down under control to a full hang. This variation adds extra grip and forearm demand compared to a standard pull-up.

Steps

1. Drape a towel over a pull-up bar and grip one end in each hand instead of the bar directly
2. Pull yourself up until your chin clears your hands
3. Focus on squeezing your back and gripping the towel tightly
4. Lower back down under control to a full hang
5. Repeat for the prescribed reps

Common mistakes

• Letting the grip loosen partway through the set instead of squeezing tight throughout
• Using momentum or swinging instead of a controlled pull
• Choosing a towel too short to grip comfortably with both hands

Variations

• Towel pull-up with one towel per hand for independent grip work
• Weighted towel pull-up with a dip belt for extra load
• Towel pull-up hold at the top for extra grip time under tension

FAQ