One of the latest trends in exercise today is to start doing extreme workouts. These workouts include lots of repetitions of pull-ups and there is a concern about this. Not that it is impossible for women to do a pull-up – although the majority find that doing one is extremely difficult – but rather the thought that just maybe these exercises can be pretty hard on the body.
Some people even go as far to say that women should not even attempt extreme exercises. The reason for this is because of the body muscles that are required to do a pull-up. The health care professionals who are concerned about this are noting that it could place undue stress on a woman’s abdominal muscles. These are the muscles that are used to help carry a pregnancy to full term. As such, it is imperative that you seek medical advice before extreme exercise.
For example, Cross Fit is one of the exercise programs that usually require participants to do pull-ups. When done correctly, a pull-up uses your back muscles and your bicep muscles. In addition to this, your core muscles are also put to work. Your core muscles include the muscles in your abdominal area. Your core is what keeps your body in the right position as you attempt a pull-up.
Extreme Exercises – Whether Or Not To Do Them
During pregnancy a woman’s abdomen expands to make room for the baby. All of this growth is supported by your abdominal muscles. So having strong abs before getting pregnant is a plus. Furthermore, it is possible for a woman’s abdominal muscles to split during pregnancy!
In addition to having strong abs, a woman needs to have strong back muscles and her pelvic areas must also be strong to carry the baby. Of course, after the baby is born, strong core muscles and upper body strength will help her carry the baby around all day.
So far then, it seems that there is no argument for a woman not to develop a strong body, especially if having children is planned in the near future.
Pull-Ups – Do Them, But Be Safe!
The problem with pull-ups is that men naturally have stronger upper-body strength than a woman. If you look at any man who does strength training, their arm and shoulder areas are almost always more pronounced.
A woman naturally has a leaner body frame so their upper body strength is not as developed. To their benefit, however, their lower body strength is wonderful, as they were designed to bear the weight of being pregnant and going through the childbirth process. So while women may find it difficult to perform a pull up there is no reason not to do them. It may just take them much longer to develop the upper body strength to perform the movement.
In fact for any woman looking to get that toned upper body and abdominal look they are encouraged to add pull-ups to their routine. If you find doing a pull-up hard, look for tools that can help you. It may help to use a stool or chair under your pull up bar at first. You would then use your chair to help you get up on to the bar. Then, lower your body and attempt the pull-up.
It may take days or a couple of weeks before you can do a couple of pull-ups. Just keep on persevering and before you know it your upper body strength will be on the increase, as well as your health, well-being, and self-confidence!
Starting With Easier Exercises
In case you don’t care to develop body builder abs and strongwoman strength and just want to tone and bulk naturally, consider doing easier workouts you can do at the office, at home, or anywhere else for that matter.
Going to the gym has it’s advantages, but as I discuss in my “chest enlargement exercises” article, you can easily do basic strength and bulking exercises using just your bodyweight.
Random Questions
Pull-ups strengthen the back, biceps, and core muscles. They contribute to upper body toning and overall health.
The ideal number varies, but progress matters more than quantity. Start with assisted pull-ups and gradually increase reps for improved strength.
Both are beneficial, targeting different muscle groups. Include a mix in your routine for comprehensive upper body development.
Initially, yes. Women may find pull-ups challenging due to differences in upper body strength. Consistent training, starting with assistance, helps build strength over time.
