How to do the Side-to-side Chin
Side-to-side Chin is a beginner multi-joint compound pulling exercise targeting the Lats in the Back region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Biceps and Forearms.
Side-to-side Chin demonstration · © GymiaFit
Side-to-side Chin at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Lats
- Secondary muscles
- Biceps, Forearms
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Compound (multi-joint)
- Force
- Pull
Side-to-side Chin step by step
- 1Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- 2Grasp a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- 3Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended and your body relaxed.
- 4Pull yourself up by bending your elbows and bringing your chin towards the bar, while keeping your body straight.
- 5Once your chin is above the bar, lower yourself back down to the starting position.
- 6Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Side-to-side Chin — questions
What muscles does the Side-to-side Chin work?
The Side-to-side Chin primarily targets the Lats. It also recruits the Biceps, Forearms as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Side-to-side Chin?
None — the Side-to-side Chin uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Side-to-side Chin suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Side-to-side Chin?
Back Pec Stretch, Gironda Sternum Chin, Kneeling Lat Stretch train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Side-to-side Chin demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.