Intermediate

Muscle Up Hunt

Build explosive pulling strength to earn your first muscle-up.

3 rounds 7 exercises Rest : 2 min between rounds

This intermediate circuit trains explosive pushing and pulling, the two qualities that unlock the muscle-up. Seven exercises flow across 3 rounds, with deliberately short rest: hold the pace without ever sacrificing technique.

The circuit — 3 rounds

2 min between rounds, minimal rest between exercises.

1
Straight-bar dips
12reps
2
Clapping push-ups
10reps
3
Head bangers
10reps
4
Typewriter pull-ups
10reps
5
Jumping muscle-ups
12reps
6
Clapping pull-ups
8reps
7
Chest-high pull-ups
10reps
⏱ Rest timers

Tips to nail this WOD

  • If the jumping muscle-up is still too hard, swap it for explosive pull-ups where you drive your chest above the bar.
  • Keep your legs together and your core tight on head bangers: it protects the shoulders and makes the movement cleaner.
  • Drop the rep count rather than the quality. Six clean pull-ups beat ten sloppy ones.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to already do a muscle-up for this WOD?

No. This circuit exists to build the strength and explosiveness that lead to your first muscle-up. Scale the hardest exercises with easier versions.

How many times a week should I do this circuit?

Two to three times a week is plenty, leaving at least one recovery day between sessions so the tendons can adapt.

What equipment do I need?

A pull-up bar and a dip bar (or parallel bars). Everything is bodyweight, in a park or at home.

Recommended gear for this WOD

To train these exercises more comfortably and safely:

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