With weight or without?

[Fonzalong]

I've started doing more pull ups lately, and I was wondering if there was any benefit in wearing a weight belt while doing them, or to abstain and go for higher reps. Anyone know? Thanks!

[tooncesthecat]

The advantage of the weight belt is to make the exercise more difficult once you are able to make your target reps in a set. This number of reps is dependent on your goals. So if you are doing good, strict form pullups and are able to do more than 15 reps, ADD WEIGHT!

[TommuGuns]

The only time i wear a weight belt is when i do lats and standing bicep curls. It does help u isolate the muscle u are training.

[tooncesthecat]

Wait, are we talking about a lifting belt or a WEIGHTED belt?

[wil]

I think Fonzalong meant wearing a weighted belt to add resistance. So Toonces advice is spot on.

[Fonzalong]

Ya, sorry, I meant a weighted belt. Thanks for the advice toones.

[tidalwave]

I'd use both, rotating between weight belt and bodyweight. IMO, pull-ups are one of the best bang-for-the-buck exercises, which is why some call it the 'upper body squat'. I do a couple of weeks without a weight belt and try to up my total reps per set (e.g. 15, 12, 10, 8). Another week, I'll add a weight belt with a plate and bring the rep scheme down (e.g. 8, 6, 5, 5), increasing the weight as I'm able.

Also, change your grip to target different muscles (palms facing you, palms away from you) and change the grip width (wide grip pull-ups vs narrow grip). If you want additional benefit for your abs, do pull ups with your legs straight in front of you, with your body in an 'L' shape, like a gymnast. There are so many variations, it's easy to make pull-ups the cornerstone of your upper body development.

[Fonzalong]

Thankss Tidalwave! Great advice. I"m gonna start doing some more of those varieties you mentioned.