Side To Side Chins
A intermediate strength exercise for the lats, done with a other equipment.


- Main muscles
- Lats
- Also works
- Biceps, Forearms, Upper back and Shoulders
- Equipment
- Other equipment
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Compound
- Movement
- Pull
How to do the Side To Side Chins
- Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing forward using a wide grip.
- As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at a wide grip, bring your torso back around 30 degrees or so while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position.
- Pull your torso up while leaning to the left hand side until the bar almost touches your upper chest by drawing the shoulders and the upper arms down and back. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space (no swinging) and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work other than hold the bar.
- After a second of contraction, inhale as you go back to the starting position.
- Now, pull your torso up while leaning to the right hand side until the bar almost touches your upper chest by drawing the shoulders and the upper arms down and back. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work other than hold the bar.
- After a second of contraction, inhale as you go back to the starting position.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until you have performed the prescribed amount of repetitions for each side.
Sets and reps
| Strength | 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes |
|---|---|
| Muscle | 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes |
| Endurance or fat loss | 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds |
Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.
Alternatives to the Side To Side Chins
Gironda Sternum ChinsOther equipment · Intermediate
Kipping Muscle UpOther equipment · Intermediate
London BridgesOther equipment · Intermediate
Muscle UpOther equipment · Intermediate
Rocky Pull-Ups/PulldownsOther equipment · Intermediate
Rope ClimbOther equipment · Intermediate
Weighted Pull UpsOther equipment · Intermediate
Band Assisted Pull-UpOther equipment · Beginner
Questions
What muscles does the Side To Side Chins work?
Mainly the lats, with the biceps, forearms, upper back and shoulders helping.
Is the Side To Side Chins good for beginners?
It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with Band Assisted Pull-Up first.
What can I do instead of the Side To Side Chins?
Good alternatives that train the lats: Gironda Sternum Chins, Kipping Muscle Up, London Bridges or Muscle Up.
How many sets and reps of the Side To Side Chins should I do?
Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.
Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).