
Weighted Pull-Up Challenge
Pull-ups & chin-ups are one of the best tests of upper-body strength. Our strength standards fall into different tiers based on bodyweight (BW) plus additional load. Simply put, this is a half, 1, 2, 3, and 4 plate loaded pull-up challenge.
Rules
To become a challenge member, you must complete at least one tier of the weighted pull-up challenge. Pronated, supinated, and neutral grips are permitted, allowing pull-ups, chin-ups, and neutral-grip variations. You are allowed to submit attempts for all five, but only one is required to get on the leaderboard. Each successfully completed tier will be recorded on the leaderboard.
Half Tier: 5 reps or more @ 25lb/10kg
Tier 1: 3 reps or more @ 45lb/20kg
Tier 2: 1 rep or more @ 90lb/40kg
Tier 3: 1 rep or more @ 135lb/60kg
Tier 4: 1 rep or more @ 180lb/80kg
All applicants get:
• A form check with feedback.
• Added to the leaderboard (if accepted).
Applicants selected for a solo video will additionally receive:
• Custom acceptance letter with their name and lift numbers (no cost).
• Official member decal (no cost).
We also have a Pro Application that provides more benefits including faster processing times, acceptance letter & decal, and more.
Due to high volumes of applications, it is not feasible to give everyone their own solo video. Select applicants will be chosen on merit. However, these items will increase your chances:
• Must follow us on social media.
• Have a high quality, HD video with no watermark.
• Ideally a 9:16 vertical video with minimal to no text.
• Form should be solid.
• Have an interesting or unique submission.
- All lifts do not need to be done on the same day, but they should be done within one month of each other.
- For the 2024 cycle, lifts must be from 2024.
The 2024 leaderboard will be extended into the first two months of 2025 to allow extra time for end-of-year submissions. Only lifts recorded in November–December 2024 are eligible during this transition period, which ends on March 1, 2025. This ensures those who hit PRs late in the year have extra time to apply. After this deadline, the 2024 leaderboard will officially close.
The 2025 leaderboard opens on January 1, 2025, and only lifts recorded in 2025 will be eligible.
- If you are an already accepted member who hits a new PR on a lift within one month of your original submission date, we will update your leaderboard numbers. Anything past one month requires a new submission of all three lifts.
Our rules are meant to be simple, so no need to record yourself weighing your weights. Just make sure the camera can see the total load and list your total weight for each lift attempted.
You are allowed one attempt at each of the 5 tiers. Meeting the standard in any one of the 5 tiers will secure you a challenge member spot and put you on the leaderboard for the specific tiers that you accomplished. Unsuccessful attempts will not be recorded on the leaderboard. You have one month from the time of notification to resubmit. Redo whichever lift(s) need a revision and then resubmit using the resubmission form.
If you have any questions or are requesting an exemption, send us a message on our contact page. For example, if you are an adaptive athlete and need accommodations, we will make it work.
Lift Standards
Please read the following section on required lift form, allowed equipment, and required video angles. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a disqualification.
Weighted Pull-Up Standards
Form

Pull-ups, chin-ups, and neutral grip are permitted.
Every rep must begin and end with arms fully over head, elbows extended and shoulders flexed.
Chin must visibly raise above the bar.
No kipping or excessive lower body momentum.
The set terminates when you make contact with the ground.
Equipment

Chalk, dip belts, weight vests, and other measurable external loads are permitted.
No gloves, straps, or other grip devices.
No bands or other assistive devices.
Video

Videos taken from the FRONT of the lifter are acceptable.
Videos taken from the SIDE of the lifter are acceptable.
Videos taken from the back may be difficult to judge and may need to be resubmitted.
Apply for the Weighted Pull-Up Challenge
Visit the Weighted Pull-Up Challenge application page below to apply and submit your lifts.