Chin-ups are a challenging bodyweight exercise that work a variety of muscles at once. The primary muscles involved in a chin-up are the back and biceps due to the underhand grip taken while hanging on the bar. However, chin-ups also work other muscles, including:
- Trapezius
- Latissimus dorsi
- Rhomboids
- Teres major
- Scapular and shoulder stabilizers
- Abdominals
- Forearms
The specific muscles worked during a chin-up can vary depending on the variation of the exercise and the individuals form. For example, chin-ups with a wider grip may place more emphasis on the back muscles, while chin-ups with a closer grip may place more emphasis on the biceps. Additionally, chin-ups can be modified to emphasize certain muscle groups over others or to increase the level of difficulty of the movement.
