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Band Assisted Chin Ups and Bodyweight Row Challenges


Fatman Assisted Chin Up

About a month ago I called out Muata, from Mr. Low Body Fat, to a fitness challenge. I also called out Tony from the Anti-Jared, but he is pretty busy with a new baby and what not. Instead, he launched a larger scale thing call the Missouri 60 and a stairmaster challenge against some lady. I wanted a one-on-one type of thing with Tony. Tony, if you’re reading this the call out is still there. I digress.

Initially it was supposed to be that I had to perform one full chin up by a certain date. That’s when I set up to work on my chins ups and pull ups. For the life of me I could not pull myself up. At 300+ lbs (mostly fat), it’s pretty much impossible for anyone to this. There are those few exceptions that can do it but they mainly have massive amounts of muscle that comprise their 300 lb frames. I am not a strongman, I’m just a normal fat guy. That’s when Iron Woody Fitness graciously hooked me up with some bands so that I can train. I’ve never used these things, but I can definitely say that they help!!!

On June 23rd, 2009 I officially started my chin up/pull up training for the challenge. That’s when I made this video:

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Bodyweight Row Challenge
Recently, 2 weeks or so ago, Muata and I decided on a different platform for our challenge. Instead of me having to do a chin up, he thought it would better if we were competing against ourselves in a bodyweight row challenge. We would do a 5 minute set of bodyweight rows. The first number is our starting point. The challenge is to see who can beat their initial number by the largest percentage. Now, being that we are at different stages in our fitness (he is below 200 and has been maintaining his massive weight loss for years and I am still half way to my weight loss goals), this is the best route to go.

I suggest you go see Muata’s Bodyweight Row Challenge about it and check out that video of Steve Maxwell performing different variations of the bodyweight row. I’ll be at a different angle and using a different apparatus than Muata will. But we will use the same form and apparatus as we did in our first take when we perform our last. Muata’s going to be using fitness rings attached to his pull-up bar. I’ll be using my power rack and a barbell with less of an incline. I’ll get mine on video, as proof.

The starting numbers:

  • Israel – 78 reps in 5 minutes
  • Muata – 47 reps in 5 minutes

I know my number is going up because I’m getting lighter and stronger. I just hope it’s enough to win.

Band Assisted Chin Ups Self-Challenge
With all of that said, I still wanted to keep my challenge of being able to perform an unassisted chin up by August 1st. I decided that I’d be self-challenging myself. Did that sound right? Doesn’t sound like it’s correct, but you know what I mean. Right? So by August 1st I have to perform a chin up with no assistance whatsoever.

As you can see in the video I cannot even go half way up. It’s pretty embarrassing. But cut me some slack, I am over 300 lbs in the video. With the bands I am able to do 3 assisted chin ups at a time with horrible form, I might add. I’m looking to be able to do 3 sets of 10 assisted pull ups.

The starting numbers:

  • 0 reps unassisted chin ups
  • 3 reps band assisted chin ups

So, it’s on!

P.S. Tony…bring it!

About the Author

My name is Israel Lagares. I used to be the kind of guy that was always in shape, but over the last few years I've fallen off tremendously. This site is my final attempt to get back into shape. So far I've lost 70.4 lbs. Check out my weight loss chart, weight loss videos and progress pics. Follow my journey, those of others, and read our thoughts on various health topics. Share your thoughts, experience, and journey here on FMU.

Community Thoughts (10)

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  1. theantijaredNo Gravatar says:

    What challenge would you like to do? I am game! Just not real good with ideas for me against you that would be fair.

    Well…..I mean, fair for you!

  2. hookah pipesNo Gravatar says:

    Great to see you guys having a little competition going. Nothing gets me motivated to work out like having someone to try and beat πŸ™‚ Keep up the good work.

  3. DaveNo Gravatar says:

    Hey man good luck to you on the chin ups, it’s one of those mile stones that is like an announcement of good fitness. I’m there with you and hopefully I’ll get one this year.

    You might want to check out crossfit.

    • I’ve considered cross fit and will probably tackle it in a couple of months, but for now I am happy with what I am doing. The results are there so I don’t want to change it up too soon.

  4. FreddyNo Gravatar says:

    Nice! I want to get in on the bodyweight row challenge, but I’m not sure if I got the equipment. If I do I going to jump in with you guys.

  5. jamesNo Gravatar says:

    i am looking to buy the woody bands to help with chin up i am 240 and can do 1 chin up what band would you suggest?

    thanks james

  6. JimNo Gravatar says:

    Way to stay motivated! I did band assisted chin ups and pull ups with p90x. Now I can do about 4 chinups without the bands. Stay motivated and dedicated and you’ll see results. Hard work and dedication always pay off!

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