Which exercise will help me achieve a standard bodyweight pullup more quickly: assisted or negative pullups? – Chris D., Springfield, MA.

Go with negative pullups, as you’ll still be forced to handle your entire bodyweight. Since everyone can lower more than they can lift, you’ll overload more of your muscle fibers, increasing your pulling strength in a short amount of time.

Lee Boyce, C.P.T., is a strength and conditioning coach based in Toronto.

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