Q: I am just getting into doing pullups, and have finally figured out how to keep the lower body still during each set - but don’t know whether I should pair pullups with biceps or back? I feel like my lats are weak, and wonder if I’ll get more overall benefit from doing pullups on back days. Which is it?

A: The general rule is: Pullups on back day, chins on biceps day. However, I don’t really consider chins a big benefit to the arms. Wide grip chins are one of the best back exercises you can do for lats, and if performed correctly - with the elbows pulled back dramatically as if (Dorian Yates would say) you are elbowing someone behind, you’ll get great results. Truly strong, big biceps come from curls, and great backs come from sole focus on the back, not on movements that mix focus on body parts surrounding the back. Deep V-bar movements, rows, etc are the best movements for the back. And, for my money, I’d personally stay away from combining chins or pullups with any other body part workout. Do them on calf and ab days.

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