Hamstring Cramps During Chin-ups

[FatKidfromFL]

Anybody else experience the back of their legs/knees locking-up during chinups? I try to pull with an arch to my back, and pull my elbows to my sternum in a row-motion, when doing chinups. I keep my knees bent more than 90 degrees, and I often have to straighten my leg mid-chinup to ward-off a cramp behind my knees. I have never had leg cramps during any other back movements. The problem is exacerbated post-leg-day. Did I permanently miswire my MMC and my brain thinks my hammy is my lat? Curious if anyone else has had issues like this?

For reference sake: I am doing 3-4 sets of 8-12 chinups, on a lackadaisical schedule, while killing time at work.

[mccullough]

Did I permanently miswire my MMC and my brain thinks my hammy is my lat?

Yes, eventually you will rewire yourself and when you try to flex your biceps, your sphincter relaxes and you’ll need a home gym to avoid embarrassment…anyways if you’re doing these pull ups after a heavy leg day, the “cramping” could just be from stretching the hammies while they’re still tight.

Perhaps get some blood pumping in the legs to prevent tightness?

[FatKidfromFL]

the “cramping” could just be from stretching the hammies while they’re still tight.

Perhaps get some blood pumping in the legs to prevent tightness?

I needed to hear this. I will incorporate stretching again. I used to do the Agile 8 religiously but stopped because it’s easier to quit.

Yes, eventually you will rewire yourself and when you try to flex your biceps, your sphincter relaxes and you’ll need a home gym to avoid embarrassment

Help, I Can’t unthink that thought.

[duketheslaya]

Try keeping your legs straight for the whole lift, i used to have bad cramps during chins too, until i straightened my legs . https://youtu.be/7KG5UCkNU9U

[FatKidfromFL]

Unfortunately that’s not an option at this time. I am doing these on a doorframe chin-up bar. I actually get ON my knees, reach up, grab the bar, and pull from a kneeled position. I am 6’2" and need a higher-rig.

[brady888]

Do you cramp whenever you bend your legs? It seems like actively not flexing your hamstrings would take care of things .

[paules]

My hamstrings have cramped up during bench presses. Don’t ask me why.

[FatKidfromFL]

I had an opportunity to do chins on a high bar that allowed me to keep my legs completely straight: no cramps. I also stretched like a mofo. Thanks for the suggestions and relating experiences.

[strongmangoals]

You can always do your pullups with legs straight out infront (like an L-sit). This will have the benefit of making the movement a bastard.