So, now that I'm at (below) goal, I want to get a 'bucket list' item checked off and do a pull up. Have never done one before, even when young and fit. Certainly wasn't even going to try at 362. But now that I'm down near college weight again and more focused than I was at 19, I'd like to build up to that.

Tried one over the weekend and could only get about halfway up. I've found a number of sites with various exercises to build up to it, but what's a realistic time line?

And any general advice? A chinup would count too. I'm 6'6", 42, and thanks to the elliptical, much better in cardiovascular than I ever dreamed I'd be. But obviously, my arms need some work.

I want to try these bands' date=' but I can't find one online that gets good reviews from big guys. At my height and weight, any recommendations for specific models?[/quote']

Got mine from wal mart and the have been great

Despite promising myself that I'd never buy a product that used a 'Z' where an 'S' should be, I bought a "Sklz Chrome Pullup Revolution" at d**k's Sporting Goods.

Comes with up to three bands, offering at most 100 lbs. of assistance. And, um, I need all three bands. But I did my first 3 sets of 5 reps today! Baby steps, baby steps. I've also tried to do 3 sets of 5 reps of negatives in the morning using a step-up to get above the bar.

Oh, this sucks. But I'm hoping it'll be better soon, just like the elliptical was at first.

At most gyms they have pull up/chin up/dip assist machines. Ask at the counter if you don't know what they look like. It supports some part of your lower body to take weight off the pull up. You should look to take off (assist) enough weight to allow yourself to do 3 sets of 6-8 with the 3rd set failing early. As you get stronger they will get easier and you can keep taking weight off. Also staggered arm (medicine ball or something under one hand switching back and forth) push ups will help a lot. Do them to failure 3 sets. Burpees and other crossfit exercises can help with total body fitness to get you ripping out the pull ups in no time. dedication to it is critical though and once achieved never letting it go.

At most gyms they have pull up/chin up/dip assist machines. Ask at the counter if you don't know what they look like. It supports some part of your lower body to take weight off the pull up. You should look to take off (assist) enough weight to allow yourself to do 3 sets of 6-8 with the 3rd set failing early. As you get stronger they will get easier and you can keep taking weight off. Also staggered arm (medicine ball or something under one hand switching back and forth) push ups will help a lot. Do them to failure 3 sets.

Yep, the assist machines are what I used when I first started back lifting and trying to improve my pullups. Helped me a lot!