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Seated Chin-up

Expert Advice

Keep your elbows close to your body and focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than just your arms.

How-to-do Steps

  1. Sit on the ground under a low bar or rings set to about chest height.
  2. Grab the bar with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  3. Lean back slightly, keeping your feet flat on the ground in front of you.
  4. Pull your chest towards the bar by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  5. Slowly extend your arms to lower yourself back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

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Muscles Worked

Seated Chin-up primarily targets the Shoulders, Lats, Traps, with Strength mechanics using Special Bar. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.

Primary
Shoulders
Shoulders30%
Lats
Lats30%
Traps
Traps20%
Secondary
Biceps
Biceps10%
Forearms
Forearms10%
Equipment
Special Bar
Special Bar
Exercise Type
Strength
30%Shoulders30%Lats20%Traps10%Biceps10%Forearms

Sets & Reps Guidance

Beginner2 x 10-12
Intermediate3 x 8-10
Advanced4 x 6-8

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Seated Chin-up work?
Seated Chin-up primarily targets the Shoulders, Lats, Traps. Secondary muscles involved include Biceps, Forearms. It is classified as a Strength exercise performed with Special Bar.
How many sets and reps should I do for Seated Chin-up?
For beginners, start with 2 sets of 10-12. Intermediate lifters can do 3 sets of 8-10. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 6-8. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Seated Chin-up suitable for beginners?
Seated Chin-up is rated as an advanced exercise and is best suited for experienced lifters. Beginners should build foundational strength with simpler movements first before attempting this exercise.