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​Complete Pull Day Workout Guide: Build Strength and Muscle

​Complete Pull Day Workout Guide: Build Strength and Muscle

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Aug 20, 2024

A pull day workout focuses on exercises that target the muscles used in pulling motions. These include your back, biceps, and rear shoulders. 

Whether you're new to working out or experienced, a well-structured pull day routine can help you build strength and improve muscle definition.

In this post, we'll guide you through the basics of a pull-day workout, explain why it's important, and share the benefits of pull day workouts. We will also explore the best exercises for a pull day workout and provide tips to help you get the most out of your training.

[Related Article] Tabata Workout: Benefits, Examples, and More


Short Summary

  • Focus on Pulling Muscles: Pull day workouts target major muscle groups like the back and biceps, essential for upper body strength.
  • Effective Exercises: Includes pull-ups, rows, and bicep curls for strength and muscle gains.
  • Sample Routine Included: The article provides a simple pull day workout routine that anyone can follow.
  • Benefits: Enhance upper body strength, improve posture, and achieve a well-rounded physique.
  • Tips for Success: Learn essential tips to maximize your results and avoid injuries.
  • Supplement Support: Discover our recommended supplement, Anafuse, to enhance your muscle growth and overall pull day performance.


What is Pull Day Workout?

A pull day workout is a type of exercise routine that focuses on strengthening the muscles used for pulling movements. This includes exercises that target your back, biceps, and shoulders. 

Pull day workouts are usually part of a larger training plan that includes push days (for pushing muscles like the chest and triceps) and leg days. 

On a pull day, you perform exercises like pull-ups, rows, and bicep curls to work these muscles. The primary goal is to build upper body strength and improve muscle definition.


Benefits of Pull Day Workout Routines

Pull day workout routines offer several key benefits:

Strengthens Upper Body: These workouts focus on muscles involved in pulling movements, like the back and biceps, helping to build strength and muscle mass in the upper body.

Improves Posture: Strengthening the back and shoulders can help correct posture and decrease the risk of slouching, leading to a more upright and confident stance.

Balances Your Routine: Incorporating pull days into your training helps balance out push exercises, creating a more comprehensive workout plan.

Enhances Functional Strength: Pulling exercises improve functional strength, making everyday activities, like lifting or pulling objects, easier and more efficient.

Better Athletic Performance: Strong back muscles are essential for many sports, improving your performance and reducing the risk of injuries.

Promotes Muscle Growth: Regularly performing pull day workouts stimulates muscle growth, helping you achieve a more defined and muscular physique, especially in the upper body.


Muscles Worked in a Pull Workout Routine

A pull day workout primarily targets the following muscles:

Back Muscles

  • Latissimus Dorsi (Lats): The largest back muscle, responsible for pulling your arms down and back.
  • Trapezius (Traps): It covers the upper back and neck area, helping to pull your shoulders back.
  • Rhomboids: Located between your shoulder blades, these muscles help pull your shoulders together.
  • Posterior Deltoids: The rear portion of your shoulder muscles, which are engaged during pull exercises.

Arm Muscles

  • Biceps Brachii: The main muscle in the front of your upper arm, responsible for bending your elbow and rotating your forearm.
  • Brachialis: Located underneath the biceps, this muscle also contributes to elbow flexion.
  • Brachioradialis: A forearm muscle that assists in elbow flexion and forearm rotation.

Other Muscles

  • Abdominals: Many pull exercises, such as hanging leg raises, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
  • Grip Muscles: Exercises like deadlifts and barbell rows require a strong grip, which engages the forearm muscles.


Can Everyone Do a Pull Day Workout?

Yes, most people can participate in a pull day workout, but there are a few factors to consider. First, the workout can be adapted for various fitness levels. 

Beginners can start with simpler exercises and gradually advance to more challenging ones as they build strength and confidence.

For individuals with health conditions or injuries, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness trainer before starting. They can help tailor the workout to your personal needs and ensure that it is safe for you.


Best Pull Workout Exercises

Pull workouts include a variety of exercises that target the muscles in your back and arms. Here are some of the best pull workout exercises to include in your routine:

Pull Up

Pull-ups are a classic exercise that works the lats, biceps, and shoulders. You can do them on a pull-up bar. Start with your arms fully extended, then pull your body up until your chin is above the bar. If you're new to this training method, you can use resistance bands or assisted pull-up machines to help with the movement.

Lat Pulldowns

Lat pulldowns are a perfect alternative to pull-ups, especially if you're still building strength. It is performed on a cable machine and is excellent for working the lats. 

Sit at a lat pulldown machine and hold the bar with a wide grip. Pull the bar down until it reaches the chest, engaging your shoulder blades as you do so. Gradually extend your arms to return the bar to its starting position.

Bent-Over Rows

Bent-over rows are perfect for targeting the upper back and biceps. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend at the hips. 

Now, pull the weights towards your waist while keeping your back straight. Lower the weights back down and repeat.

Seated Cable Rows

This exercise focuses on the middle back and biceps. Here is how you perform this:

  • Sit on the seated row machine and hold the handle with both hands.
  • Keep your back straight and chest up as you pull the handle toward your torso.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body while pulling.
  • Squeeze the shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
  • Now, slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.

Face Pulls

Face pulls are great for shoulder health and upper back strength. Face pulls are performed using a cable machine with a rope attachment. Set the pulley to a high position and stand facing the machine. 

Grasp the rope with your both hands and pull it towards the face, keeping your elbows high and out to the sides. Now, squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.

Deadlifts

Deadlift is a compound exercise that works almost on the entire body, including the back, glutes, and hamstrings. Start by standing with the feet hip-width apart, grip the barbell, and lift it by standing up straight. Keep your back flat and engage your core throughout the movement.

Bicep Curls

Bicep curls isolate the biceps. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold dumbbells or a barbell with an underhand grip. Keep your elbows close to your sides and curl the weights up towards the shoulders. Now, slowly lower the weights back down, and repeat

Hammer Curls

This variation of the bicep curl targets both the biceps and brachialis. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward. Now, bend your elbows and curl the weights up towards your shoulders.

[Related] Hammer Curls Vs. Bicep Curls: Which is Best to Build Biceps Muscles?

Preacher Curls

Preacher curls target the biceps effectively. Sit at a preacher bench and place your arms on the padded surface. Hold a barbell or dumbbells and curl the weight up towards your shoulders. Lower it back down slowly and repeat.


A Sample Pull Day Workout Routine

Note: This is a sample routine. You can adjust the number of sets, repetitions, and rest times based on your goals and fitness level. Always warm up before your workout.

Warm-up

  • Light cardio (e.g., jogging, jumping jacks) for 5-10 minutes
  • Dynamic stretches (e.g., arm circles, leg swings)

Workout

  • Pull-Ups: 3 sets of as many reps as possible
  • Bent-Over Rows: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Deadlifts: 3 sets of 6-10 reps
  • Seated Cable Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Face Pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Lat Pulldowns: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Dumbbell Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Preacher Curls: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Cool-down (5-10 minutes)

  • Static stretches (e.g., hamstring stretch, quadriceps stretch)


How Many Exercises Should I Do on a Pull Day?

The number of exercises you should do on a pull day depends on your fitness level, goals, and available time. A typical routine might include 5-7 exercises targeting your back, biceps, and forearms.

Here's a general guideline:

  • Beginners: Start with 3-4 exercises per muscle group.
  • Intermediate: Aim for 4-6 exercises per muscle group.
  • Advanced: Incorporate 6-8 exercises per muscle group.


Tips to Improve Your Pull Day Workout

Focus on Proper Form: Good form is essential to prevent injuries and maximize muscle activation. Pay attention to your technique and seek guidance from a personal trainer if needed.

Use Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance you use in your workouts. This helps grow your muscles stronger over time. Aim to add a little more weight or do an extra rep each week.

Vary Your Exercises: Mix up your exercises to target different muscles. Include a combination of compound movements (like deadlifts and pull-ups) and isolation exercises (like bicep curls) for a balanced workout.

Get Enough Rest: Give your muscles time to recover between training. Rest days are crucial for muscle growth and overall performance. Also, ensure you’re getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.

Warm-Up Properly: Start with a proper warm-up to get your muscles ready for the workout. Dynamic stretches or light cardio can increase blood flow and reduce the risk of injury.

Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to seeing progress. Aim to do your pull day workout 1-2 times weekly and stick to your routine.

Consider Supplements: While not essential, supplements can support muscle growth and recovery, ultimately improving your overall pull-day workout performance.


Best Supplements to Support Your Pull Day Workout

  1. AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy – Best for Building Muscle
  2. True Shred by Hard Rock Supplements – Best for Shredding Fat & Building Muscle
  3. Alpha Lean-7 by Hard Rock Supplements – Best Fat Burner
  4. Wild Thing by Assault Labs – Best Pre-workout
  5. PerfectAmino Tablets by BodyHealth – Best Supplement for Muscle Recovery


1- AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy

AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy

Anafuse is a supplement designed to support muscle growth and retention. Created by Vital Alchemy, a company known for its muscle-building products, Anafuse combines advanced ingredients to help you gain and maintain muscle mass.

This supplement includes a blend of newly discovered anabolics that work together to enhance muscle growth. It aims to provide effective results without common side effects. Anafuse offers a comprehensive formula to help you achieve lean, hard muscle mass.

Key Benefits

  • It enhances your muscle mass gains.
  • It reduces your body fat.
  • It increases your muscle endurance.
  • It helps enhance muscle hardness.
  • It boosts your strength.
  • It improves your muscle pumps.
  • It speeds up your muscle recovery.
  • It increases protein synthesis.
  • It reduces muscle soreness.

Key Ingredients

  • Epicatechin
  • Ajuga Turkestanica
  • HICA
  • Eriobotrya Japonica
  • Vitamin D3
  • Quercetin

Customer Reviews

 Great results

“This product produces excellent results, that you’ll quickly notice within weeks. My focus and strength are doubled while I’m on this product!”

-Micah H.


 GREAT PRODUCT

“Increased strength, fat loss and *********** gain. All in one. Very good product that I would recommend”

-STEPHAN


 Anafuse

“This stuff is top notch. I’ve used it a few times now and saw results every time. A clean diet, a solid plan and anafuse will definitely elevate your gains vs not taking it.”

-KyleB


2- True Shred by Hard Rock Supplements

True Shred by Hard Rock Supplements

True Shred is a supplement designed to support your cutting cycle. It combines natural anabolics and hormone enhancers, without prohormones, to help achieve a lean and defined physique. 

The formula supports muscle hardening, growth, testosterone levels, and growth hormone production, while also boosting metabolism. True Shred offers a comprehensive solution for your cutting needs in one bottle.

Key Benefits

  • It enhances muscle hardness.
  • It improves lean muscle mass.
  • It boosts your strength.
  • It reduces your body fat.
  • It enhances your vascularity.
  • It increases your testosterone levels.
  • It increases your metabolism.
  • It helps improve your endurance.
  • It increases protein synthesis.

Key Ingredients

  • 7-Keto DHEA
  • Colostrum
  • Bulbine Natalensis
  • Chinese Smilax/Laxogenin
  • L-Norvaline
  • T2
  • Androsta-3, 5-diene-7, 17-dione

Customer Reviews

 True shread

“I had noticed strength gains starting around 2.5week mark.i also leaned out. I will definitely take this again.”

-Matt I.


 True shred

“I’ve been using it for about two week, have seen some different in my cardio/muscle endurance. I am a Tactical Fitness specialist . Awesome turn around on purchasing and receiving the product.”

-Ronald P.


 True Shred Rocks

“Love this product, good for leaning out, energy and does cut my appetite, have been using this for years, highly recommend this”

-HULKSTER


3- Alpha Lean-7 by Hard Rock Supplements

Alpha Lean-7 by Hard Rock Supplements

Alpha Lean 7 is a fat-burning supplement designed for advanced users. This product aims to help you lose body fat and achieve a lean physique. It features a unique formula designed to promote thermogenesis, reduce hunger, and boost your metabolism. 

This product also helps enhance energy levels and focus. It is intended for individuals looking for a potent fat-burning solution to help achieve their fitness goals.

Key Benefits

  • It reduces your body fat.
  • It increases your energy levels.
  • It enhances your metabolism.
  • It helps reduce water weight.
  • It boosts your mood.
  • It helps improve your focus and concentration.

Key Ingredients

  • Caffeine Anhydrous
  • Dandelion Powder
  • Dimethylethanolamine
  • Betaine Anhydrous
  • Green Tea Extract
  • Cissus Quadrangularis
  • L-Carnitine
  • Alpha Yohimbine

Customer Reviews

 Great!!

“Great product! Definitely helps with those last few pounds on a cut & helps with cravings.”

-Paul F.


 Nothing else workdd

“This product helped me lose 30 pounds within a few months. I changed nothing in my routine. Nothing was working but I can’t stop ordering this once I add some pounds on. I know it’s time”

-Chad


 Best fat burner ever

“Been using lean 7 for years now, for Me Is the best fat burner allowing to keep your *********** at the same time.”

-Alexandre R.


4- Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing by Assault Labs

Wild Thing is formulated to enhance your workout performance. It features a combination of creatine, creatine, and other nutrients aimed at supporting muscle function during exercise. 

It also includes several nootropics that help improve focus and increase workout energy. It also features ingredients to promote vascularity and muscle pumps.

Wild Thing's caffeine blend combines ZumXR® and Infinergy® with additional forms of caffeine, providing both an initial energy boost and sustained release throughout your workout. Wild Thing offers an advanced formula that helps support the physical and mental aspects of training.

Key Benefits

  • It increases your energy levels for your Tabata workout.
  • It boosts your focus.
  • It enhances your strength.
  • It improves your muscle pumps.
  • It helps improve your mood and overall cognitive function.
  • It reduces muscle fatigue.
  • It accelerates your muscle recovery.

Key Ingredients

  • DiCitrulline Malate/Infinergy®
  • Beta-Alanine
  • Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline
  • Agmatine Sulfate
  • Creatine Anhydrous
  • L­-Glutamine
  • Choline Bitartrate
  • Caffeine Anhydrous
  • L­-Tyrosine
  • L-Norvaline
  • ZumXR®
  • Huperzine A
  • Infinergy®
  • Cocoabuterol®
  • Thinkamine®

Customer Reviews

 Wild Thing

“Good flavor and great energy boost.”

-Paige T.


 Best on Market

“Gives you the right amount of kick, without any of the drawbacks. Perfect”

-Tyler R.


 Weight are on full focus

“Single scoop is good, focus and keeps you going. 2 scoops? OMG insane focus. I never lost mind/body connection because/IF it was too much! Max rep EVERY time !”

-Juan G.


5- PerfectAmino Tablets by BodyHealth

PerfectAmino Tablets by BodyHealth

PerfectAmino is a supplement that provides all eight essential amino acids your body needs. Unlike traditional protein sources that can be hard for the body to use efficiently, PerfectAmino is formulated to be almost fully absorbed. 

This means that 99% of its amino acids are used by the body to support muscle growth and recovery after exercise. Additionally, PerfectAmino boosts energy levels and supports a healthy immune system. It is also low in calories, making it suitable for weight loss plans.

Key Benefits

  • It supports your muscle recovery.
  • It helps build muscle.
  • It enhances your energy levels.
  • It boosts your immune system.

Customer Reviews

 Perfect for me

“I started taking perfect aminos right after going back to the gym after taking some time off. I noticed that my recovery was much quicker, my joints were not as achey as they usually were and overall I am less sore. The dose is super easy on my stomach, whether I take it with food or on an empty stomach. No burps, gas or bloating. Its now a staple in my supp regiment. Thanks”

-Victor C.


 Easy and effective

“I take these throughout the day especially on workout days. They never give me the burps and help me to be less sore. After reading all the info on this stuff it looks really good and I am glad I got it.”

-LDACHAMP


 Love this products

“I’ve been taking it for a long time now and have found it to be super useful for both my recovery and my ability to lift and gain more strength. Definitely suggest to anyone who wants a vegan healthy amino protein”

-Daniel S.


FAQs: Pull Day Workout

Q: What is a pull day workout?

A: A pull day workout focuses on exercises that target the muscles involved in pulling movements, primarily the back and biceps. Common exercises include pull-ups, rows, and deadlifts.

Q: What are some effective exercises for a pull day workout?

A: Effective exercises for a pull day workout include pull-ups, bent-over rows, deadlifts, seated cable rows, face pulls, lat pulldowns, dumbbell bicep curls, and preacher curls.

Q: Why is a pull day important?

A: A pull day is important for building a strong and balanced upper body. It can improve your posture, increase strength, and enhance muscle growth.

Q: How many exercises should I include in a pull day workout?

A: A balanced pull day workout usually includes 5 to 7 exercises. This allows you to effectively target different muscles and ensure a comprehensive workout.

Q: How often should I do pull day workouts?

A: It’s generally recommended to include pull day workouts once or twice a week, depending on your overall training routine and fitness goals.

Q: Can beginners do pull day workouts?

A: Yes, beginners can do pull day workouts. Start with simpler exercises and lighter weights, and gradually increase intensity as you build strength.


Final Thoughts

Pull day exercises are essential for building and strengthening your back and biceps. They involve exercises like pull-ups, rows, and curls, which help target the muscles used for pulling. 

It targets the muscles used in pulling movements, like your back, biceps, and shoulders, helping to build strength and muscle. By including exercises like pull-ups, rows, and curls, you can boost your overall upper body strength and muscle definition.

Remember to focus on proper form, slowly increase weights, and mix up your exercises to keep your routine effective. Also, it's essential to rest and recover between sessions to avoid overtraining and injuries. 

Overall, pull day workouts are effective for building a stronger, more balanced upper body. By following these tips outlined in the article and staying consistent, you can achieve better muscle growth and overall fitness.


Sources:

https://www.strengthlog.com/pull-day-workout

https://www.barbellmedicine.com/blog/best-pull-day-workout-routine-exercises

https://www.anytimefitness.com/ccc/workouts/ultimate-flex-pull-day-workout-routine-for-max-muscle-gains

https://www.bulk.com/uk/the-core/building-bigger-back-pull-day-routine

https://www.setforset.com/blogs/news/pull-day-workout?srsltid=AfmBOoo5FT_Tg1NCO4TmbXL-Bqd0BLIDpqvO-Xq70rRxVpT9jA6Etgte

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.