DozenDiets.com

 So I have always had a love-hate relationship with Pullups. Actually, I used to have the same problem with pushups, until I started focusing on pushups. Now pushups are my old friend. The same has happened for running. Running was HARD (I am still pretty heavy and that makies running hard). Still, I decided that I wanted to be able tp run and so I ran. Now I can run pretty well (though I have a LONG way to go). Running is becoming my friend. Now we come to pullups. I am the kid who has embarrassing memories of Middle School Gym class with me hanging on the pullups bar and my crew-cut gym teacher barking at me like some marine recruit while I hang there, belly giggling as the pullups bar seems to be getting farther aand farther away.

Okay, that sucked. Now I am an adult and STILL hate pullups. So, I bought a pullup bar (I like The Door Gym - check it out in my “Gear” category). Much to my chagrin, when I tried to do a pullups, I managed to stagger out ONE pullups (and it was poorly executed). So I consulted my personal training guru, “the internet”.

Here is what I found: CLICK HERE for a good article from Yahoo Health (actually it is referencing Mike Mejia of Men’s Health) 

Now, I started with some negatives about a week ago. These are where you jump up to the pull up position and then lower yourself slowly back to a hanging position. This should build strength until you can do a pullup, or two or whatever.

I decided to give myself a little impromptu test last night and I banged out THREE Pullups! Now, to people who are in shape, I am sure they scoff at three pullups and the image of the fat kid in gym class is prevalent in their imagination. Still, I am geeked about 3 and I figure I can get to more. I want the pullup to join my other pals, the pushup and running. I will admit, it is also appealing because not many people can do pullups so I really want to be able to do at least 10.

So, that is my rant about pullups. They are fun. They make me feel buff. And if you can’t do one, start with negatives AND/OR read Mr. Mejia’s article and do what he says. HERE IS THE LINK AGAIN.