How to Not Get Tired When Doing Pullups

Pullups, a weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, require a great deal of upper-body strength. As you pull your body weight up to clear the bar, you're taxing muscle systems in several areas of your body at the same time, including your shoulders, back, arms and chest. Pullups can be tiring for many people, especially those who are new to upper-body exercise. Proper technique can keep you safe and prevent you from tiring when doing pullups. If it's been a long time since you've exercised, talk to your doctor before you start.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat a snack or small meal with protein and complex carbohydrates an hour or two before you do pullups. Protein is an important part of building muscle, and sustaining energy. Protein bars, turkey, cheese and whole-grain crackers or Greek yogurt are foods that aren't likely to upset your stomach and will keep you going while you work out. Mayoclinic.com reports that exercising on an empty stomach can lead to fatigue.

• 2

  Hydrate with water and sports drinks before, during and after pull-ups and other physical activity. Drink two to three cups of water before a workout, one cup during and two to three more afterward to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to feeling tired.

• 3

  Learn proper pullup form to avoid using any more energy than necessary for each repetition. Grab the bar with your arms about a shoulder-width apart and your palms facing away from your body. Keep your legs still as your hoist your body up -- kicking and swinging will tire you out quickly.

• 4

  Tense your shoulders as you pull up toward the bar. Bodybuilding.com explains that relaxing too much puts stress on your shoulders. Muscles that are over stressed can make you tired and sore.

• 5

  Do pull-ups at a fairly consistent pace. Hanging in mid-air, waiting to summon enough energy to continue in fact will likely do the opposite, and make you too tired to continue. (see ref 1)

• 6

  Consider variations of the traditional pullup if your upper-body strength is lacking. A negative pullup may be easier and allows you to work your way up to a higher level of fitness. Stand on a stool high enough to let you get your chin over the bar. Move the stool so your feet don't touch the ground and lower yourself using your arm strength.