Can You Do a Single Pull-Up? Here’s What it Means if You Can’t
Doing pull-ups—even a single one—is a sign of more than just arm strength. Pull-ups engage a number of muscles in the body, and are indicative of strong core strength. If you can’t do a single pull-up, it can indicate areas where your strength or mobility may be limited. Pull-ups require a combination of upper-body strength, core stability, and grip strength, as well as proper shoulder mobility. A lack of ability to perform one may suggest weaker lats, rhomboids, or traps, insufficient core engagement, or grip strength that needs improvement.
Pull-ups are a resistance exercise, which affects more than just physical health. Studies show regular strength training also impacts cognitive and mental health, helping prevent decline. “The interplay between physical and mental health is a dynamic relationship that cannot be ignored,” says Christina Sauder, MS, via Vail Health.
“Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of strength training on mental health. Engaging in resistance exercises stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. This not only reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression but also enhances cognitive function including in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Numerous studies demonstrate the link between a loss of muscle mass as we age and cognitive decline, speaking to the importance of maintaining strength especially as we age.”
