Chins & Bridging For Complete Back Development

You don’t need deadlifts, blasphemous words I know, but the truth nonetheless.

I’ve seen many a fret online over “how can I train my lower back with calisthenics, without deadlifts”, there seems to be a false opinion that the bridge isn’t enough for a strong lower back.

This belief couldn’t be more wrong.

The bridge is going to work your spinal erectors from top to bottom and back.

(I don’t know the numbering of the vertebrae off the top of my head, otherwise I’d have stated it that way.)

It’s of note that the best backs are developed with many many pullups.

Likely due to the fact pullups are a primal evolutionary exercise, they just build you better than similar.

You can use any grip you want, or as many as possible, just make sure you do them in high volume.

The chins need to be done 50 reps a few times a week at a bare minimum. Under this level you’re not going to see the high level of results you’re shooting for. Over this level? Go as high as you want to go.
I’ve learned how well high volume calisthenics will work for you, as recently as my dip odyssey.

Bridge for minutes weekly, really get in that time under tension, and do hundreds of chin ups.

The two combined will be all the back work you’d ever need.

Persistence & Tenacity