Going back a few years I fondly remember one of my proudest moments in the gym was when I finally did my first unassisted chin-up. That goal was quickly eclipsed by being able to do these chin-ups for reps and sets then finally incorporating them regularly into my routines for supersets. Ahh memories…tear.

For me the chin-up symbolized true strength especially for a woman. I find it raw, primal, and with a whole lot of “grrrrrr”. Every other exercise is a cake walk after “chins”.

This movement really helped me feel my lats and teres major. Bodybuilding and fitness athletes fascinated me especially when I saw these amazing muscles flexed in magazines. I remember thinking these people had “wings” and was determined to try and build some wings of my own along with some muscle around my upper back to balance my physique.

As I mentioned, the close-grip chin-up target targets the lats and trees major but it also uses the biceps, your core, along with your middle and upper back. Mastering this movement will greatly enhance your strength and vastly improve your performance in other exercises.

** I’m also a little sadistic at the gym as I enjoy doing chin-ups beside guys and watching them out of the corner of my eye to see who did more. It’s a great day when I win!