Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / back

Scapular pull-up

Dead hang, depress and retract scapulae without bending elbows, hold 1 s.

Muscles

Primary
serratus
Supporting
lower traps, lats

Mechanics

Pattern
scapular control
Equipment
bodyweight
Geometry
Variable Range
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Shoulder blades sliding down and together — arms stay straight throughout.
Progression
Add a 3 s hold at the top before lowering.
Regression
Banded hang — reduce bodyweight to dial in the scapular movement.

Watch for

  • Bending elbows and turning it into a pull-up
  • Shrugging instead of depressing
  • Swinging to generate momentum

Substitutions

  • Pull-up (overhand)
  • Chin-up (underhand)
  • Face pull
Open Scapular pull-up in the app →