CFA Pullups

USNA21hopeful

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Aug 26, 2015
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Hello all! I am currently training for the CFA, and I am improving in all areas except the pullups. I am a female, so I know I have the option for the flexed arm hang, but I was really hoping I could become strong enough to max pullups. I've been training religiously at the gym working on my upper body strength, but I still cannot do a pullup from a dead hang. I know there are a lot of sources online if you google it, but I was just wondering if anyone had personal experience with improving their pullups exponentially. Thanks in advance!
 
Same here, I got a door-mounted pull-up bar for xmas and can now do 9 pull-ups. I was only able to do 3 when I got it.
 
First - set a goal and work towards it. You can do pull-ups.

StewSmith.com

It sounds like he (Stew) has set the standard for training regimens based on previous CFA prep threads.

I have used P90X (and I am over 50) which includes pull-ups and techniques including bands or even cheating (just a little) with a chair (or get a spotter who can provide a little nudge to get the next one). Once you can do a few, there is no substitute for the door mounted pull-up bar and practice.

The advantage to P90x (which I have used) and probably Stew Smith is it is more about a comprehensive program which prepares you for the overall CFA vs individual events.

Oh - and read the USMA 'Oh no - the basketball throw' thread because regardless of fitness level - the Basketball throw is all about mechanics.
 
one of Stew's points is to do a few reps very often as in 10x a day (Or as many as practical) etc. That seems to work better than trying to do one big workout session a day, helps create muscle memory works the same with push ups
 
The best-kept secret for maxing your pull-ups... ? Find a gym with a pull-down machine. Start at a comfortable weight and work your way up. When you can pull-down your body weight, you are on your way. (And if you're pressed for time: swim, swim, swim).
 
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