Pullups:with thumbs and without thumbs

[AhBen]

When pulling with thumbs:the biceps will fatigue first right?

When pulling thumbless:the back will fatigue first right?

HENCE:

After reaching failure(with thumbs),go to a thumbless grip and you can do maybe 1-2 more reps coz you're bringing more of your back in?

After reaching failure(thumbless), pull with your thumbs on and you can do maybe 1-2 more reps coz you're bringing more of your biceps in?

Does this make any sense?

[NotNowChief]

Not to me. No tendon links thumb to bicep. Rotating entire wrist (eg chin up vs pull up) changes bicep activation. I fail to see how the thumb can.

[Soofy]

Most trainees dont go to failure on pull ups. I usually leave a few in the tank unless I'm trying to see my overall numbers

[Bman1]

Soofy - The SL 5x5 protocol calls for 3 sets to failure on chinups and pullups.

[AhBen]

I am doing 531 with weighted pullups as a main lift.

In the last set,I have to strain to get more reps.

[NotNowChief]

Well you can try it and let us know. Do you notice that effect?

I do a fair bit of pull ups and I have never actually ever tried thumbless.

[vongSTAA]

Wouldn't thumbless work your grip/forearms more?

[Soofy]

Soofy - The SL 5x5 protocol calls for 3 sets to failure on chinups and pullups.

ok

[JasonLB]

Using a thumbless grip prevents you from griping the bar hard. It's the same basic reason why o-lifters use a hook grip (aside from the added grip strength). By not griping the bar hard, your arm muscles relax a bit, allowing your arms to function more or less like ropes with hooks attached -- it's also helpful to think about pulling from your elbows, rather than from the hands (it's just a cue, but it helps IMO).

If you really want to make sure you are pulling with your back and not just your arms, set your upper back at the start of the pull-up by lifting your chest (sort of like you would when setting up for a squat). Doing so contracts and depresses your shoulder blades at the start of each rep. Most people lead with the tops of their head and end up doing a quasi-curl, especially at the top of each rep. Arch your upper back/lift your chest, set your shoulder blades, and pull through the elbows (and I'll add, touch your chest with the bar at the top) -- it's quite a bit harder at first, but you'll feel the difference in back involvement immediately.

[MikeD]

^Good analysis. Chins require more conscious control then first expected...either way, they're draining.

[Soofy]

good post JasonLB