Atlas
Scapular Pull-Up: starting position Scapular Pull-Up: end position

Vertical Pull · Traps & mid back

Scapular Pull-Up

A vertical pull exercise that works the traps & mid back. Beginner level, using bodyweight, pull-up bar.

BeginnerBodyweightPull-up barParkGym

Muscles worked

SecondaryLats

Lower traps, lats, and scapular control.

Setup and loading

Overhand grip.

How to do the scapular pull-up step by step

  1. Hang from the bar with your arms straight.
  2. Rise a few inches by pulling your shoulders down, without bending your elbows.
  3. Pause and lower slowly.

Form cues

  • Arms straight
  • Move from the shoulder blades

Common mistakes

  • Bending your elbows
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3 x 10-15 · rest 60 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Injury Prevention

2-3 x 10-15 slow

2-3 sets of 10-15 slow reps with a light or moderate load, 2-3 times per week.

Control the lowering (about 3 seconds). This is quality work, not fatigue work: finish every set feeling good.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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Variations and similar exercises

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