Yes, that’s one way to learn to do a pullup. Another way would be jump up to the bar, with a bench or pad, which would be provided underneath you, to jump from. And then slowly come down using your arms of course, without letting go of the bar. And keep doing them.
Ooh and @sabaray, once you learn to do a pull-up, which is getting your chin to bar level, then you can progress to a “chest-to-bar” pullup. 
And BTW, since you know how to do a pushup, CF’ers can eventually progress in difficulty to what is called a “handstand pushup” (or not, if it’s not your thing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvoQiF0kBI8
It’s kinda yoga-ish. 
Let’s start with the pull up bands first!
What I liked about the pull-up band assist method (vs. letting yourself down slowly) is you get a feel for the full upward motion and can practice form.
I’ll confess: I started with 3 bands (I forget what brand I’m using) and the first time I stepped into the bands and got ready to start a set, I pulled up a wee bit too hard and… ZOOM… up I went and nearly hit my head on the basement ceiling. It was very funny (because I did not get hurt!)
@Midwest67 I’ve seen that happen a few times in my life. It’s funny if you don’t get hit on the head for sure. So far, I’ve only had to see the humor. No one hurt yet. Knock on wood. It’s nice to have a trainer/coach guide you though it, if possible.
@sabaray good luck and I get that feeling you will be successful.
As a rule, I’m content to look for great deals on eBay because paying retail prices hurts. I’ve picked up some fab Icebreaker merino wool base layers for the winter, an Icebreaker winter coat, and some Athleta sports tops for the summer. All “steals”.
As a reward to myself for my frugality, plus sticking with the walking & hiking & logging calories, I bought two new Athleta Be Free Shorts (compression shorts). Wow. Swoon! LOVE.
I haven’t had the most success with Athleta in terms of wear - I’d love to hear how the shorts hold up for you.
I’ll post if there is anything notable about the wear. The thickness of the fabric has me swooning. Same with the Athleta sports top I snagged off eBay.
Another thing this week — I was bummed because my purchased-on-super-sale daypack for hiking was beginning to come apart at the shoulder strap seams. I took it to a tailor shop, and the owner looked at it, and shook her head. She said her machine would not be able to go thru the thickness. But, she suggested I take it to a shoe repair place because they would have the type of machine that could repair it.
I was skeptical, but what do I know! I found a shoe repair place, and sure enough, the owner said he could fix it! It’s perfect again, and he only charged me $12.
I was so psyched! I’m going to have to swing by the tailor shop and thank her again for the suggestion. I certainly would not have thought of that myself. FYI and passing along the tip here.
Yesterday was a great day to be outdoors - today, not so much. Tackled a hilly 9 mile route yesterday - Garmin has elevation change at close to 1000 feet, Strava a bit over 700. Not sure why such a big difference and don’t care - it was tough! Beautiful morning in the fifties, gravel roads, cows that ran along the fence line with us - a great morning. Today is hot and humid, so a couple of pup walks and a less hilly walk through an urban park with Mr. Sabaray and the pups who were seemingly untroubled by the heat.
Cobblers can repair all kinds of things, can’t they? I’ve had some favorite dog leads reinforced. Did you get any hiking in, Midwest?
Yes, the club goes every Sunday, year round, no matter the weather. We are in the Chicago area.
We had about 19 show up (no RSVP required) and some bailed out at 7 miles (mostly the older members). We got in 10 very sweaty miles in the heat. We had a nice small tail gate afterwards. I was happy that my lower back wasn’t too stiff and sore.
My dog had no interest in going any further than a few blocks. One more day of this, and it’s going to cool off.
I’ve promised myself to start small and slow on some strength training this week. Goblet squats, here I come.
Another story out of TX on rhabdo:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/gym-rats-are-at-risk-of-this-once-obscure-kidney-disease?ref=home
The Post actually had an interesting article on “Mr. Crossfit” and his lobbying efforts against “Big Soda”. Interesting read on all of the athletic training credentialing organizations and the money behind some studies. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/mr-crossfit-vs-big-soda-a-profane-fitness-gurus-wonky-war-with-the-soda-industry/2018/06/03/88aaa820-5aa6-11e8-8836-a4a123c359ab_story.html?
Heat and humidity created some real issues for me yesterday and I’m sure others experience ill effects as well. Good tips here for coping: https://anothermotherrunner.com/2018/06/18/running-in-heat-and-humidity/?
I’ve decided to do another round of PN coaching. Mr. Sabaray, after seeing my positive results, has decided to as well. My initial desire was to lose weight so I could run faster, now I’m more interested in losing more fat and muscle definition. We’ll see how it goes.
What’s PN coaching?
It’s a year long weight loss program - Precision Nutrition. I participate online. You get a daily lesson with the focus on building healthy habits for sustainable weight loss AND maintenance - which has always been my problem.
As promised on this thread, I took a baby step towards getting back to strength training.
Cleared the neglected weight area in the basement. Dug out my old notebook. Re-familiarized myself with my old system.
Cranked the Red Hot Chili Peppers and did Routine One. Very light weights. I’m going to take it nice and slow. Focus is on wedging it into my schedule and see if I can establish a firm habit/routine.
I went to a Barre class last night - I hadn’t been in a while and forgot how painful lots of reps with light weights can be. I wish I could get motivated to lift on my own but I really need a structured setting or trainer. How did you develop your routines ?
How did I develop the routines? I started with what I thought I’d actually do. I didn’t think I’d ever make it to the gym (that’s just me), so I started with what H already had in the basement, and I slowly added some equipment. It’s not fancy.
I stumbled on Nia Shanks, online, Lift Like a Girl. There was something about the way she presented the material that was not overwhelming, and I could wrap my head around it, as a beginner to strength training. From her material, I made two routines that would work for me and the equipment we had in the basement.
Routine One is Goblet Squats straight sets, Bench Press & Dumbbell Rows super sets, Back Extensions. Optional when stronger: one set Skull Crushers.
Routine Two is Rack Pulls straight sets, Dumbbell Overhead Press & Chin-ups super sets, Back Extensions. Optional when stronger: one set Bicep Curls.
5 years ago? I started with this. Three days a week, alternating the routines. Started with light weights and slowly built up. I got a LOT stronger and most importantly, I did not get hurt. I liked being at home. The closest gym would still be a 20 minute car ride one way. I liked cranking my own music.
Then, life got in the way, I stopped lifting, and I started back at square one. I’ll be 55 this year, and I’d really like to build and maintain some muscle. I know this worked before for me, so it seems the obvious place to return.
I just have to do it.
I just looked up Nia Shanjs. First thing I read on her website,
“Be More, Not Less.
The source for women who demand health and fitness information that doesn’t suck.”
I think I like her already!
I mean Nia Shanks!