I am doing Army ROTC in college and am hoping to get a spot for airborne school this summer. However, being able to do pull-ups (5 or 10 depending on who I have talked to) is a requirement before going and then during the training.
What I am wondering is how can I do more pull-ups? I can currently do 3-4. I have always had trouble doing pull-ups, but haven’t understood why. This last semester I was able to max my push up portion of the PT test. This means I was able to do at least 71 in 2 minutes. But I still can’t do pull-ups.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
What I do is usually three sets of 10 -12 reps for pullups. When I reach the point where I cannot do the pullup, I complete the set by jumping up from the floor, grabbing the bar, and lowering myself down slowly. Let go, jump up, and lower slowly. I Do this so I can get a full three sets of 10 or so, just like I do on other exercises.
Hope it helps, good luck in Benning.
Do negatives. Step up on a step or something that puts you in the pulled up position, and lower yourself as slowly as possible and it will increase your positive strength.
OTR in airborne school I can guaruntee they are going to expect more than 5 pull ups out of you. 10 sounds like a first day requirement.