Gironda Sternum Pull Up

Also known as: Pull Up (Sternum/Gironda)

A bodyweight vertical pull performed by drawing the chest toward the bar with a slight backward lean, stressing the latissimus dorsi and upper back muscles.

How to do the Gironda Sternum Pull Up#

  1. Grip a pull-up bar with an overhand grip and hang with your arms fully extended.
  2. Lean your torso back slightly and pull your shoulder blades down and together to set tension.
  3. Drive your elbows down and back to lift your chest or sternum up toward the bar.
  4. Hold briefly at the top with shoulders packed, then lower under control to a full hang.
  5. Keep your core braced to prevent excessive leg swing throughout the movement.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Lats (Latissimus Dorsi), Upper back (Rhomboids & Middle Trapezius)
  • Secondary: Biceps (Biceps Brachii), Forearms (Forearm Flexors & Extensors (incl. Brachioradialis)), Rear delts (Posterior Deltoid), Traps (Trapezius)

Common mistakes#

Track the Gironda Sternum Pull Up in Gript: your previous sets in view while you train, records detected automatically, and an estimated 1RM chart from every hard set.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
4.7 average ratingLoved worldwide

You're already in Gript

Everything on this page is also available inside the app — this article opens from Help, and the calculators live under Tools.

Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Gironda Sternum Pull Up work?

The Gironda Sternum Pull Up primarily works the lats, upper back. The biceps, forearms, rear delts, traps assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the biceps, forearms, rear delts, traps, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Gironda Sternum Pull Up?

The Gironda Sternum Pull Up needs the following: Pull-up bar. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Gironda Sternum Pull Up suitable for beginners?

Usually not. The Gironda Sternum Pull Up is rated advanced — it asks for real technical control, and sloppy reps carry a genuine injury risk. Work through easier progressions until they feel routine before attempting it.

What are good alternatives to the Gironda Sternum Pull Up?

Active Hang, Back Lever, Advanced Tuck Back Lever all train the same primary muscles as the Gironda Sternum Pull Up. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.