Pullovers - compound?

[Phineas]

I was reading an old thread from 2003 on pullovers, and, rather than bump it, I thought I'd just start a new one specific to my question.

Are pullovers a compound lift? I've always been told they work the chest in addition to the lats. P-Funk said in the old thread that the posterior delts are involved. Are they secondary or stabilizers? Also, as it's a vertical pull (though, with no real bending in the arms), are the biceps still involved? Please enlighten me: tell me everything that's going on when I perform this awesome lift!

Thanks everyone.

 

[Phineas]

Also, how does this variation differ from the traditional in terms of muscles contracting/stabilizing?

Barbell Bent Arm Pullover

 

[Phineas]

What's this reputation thing on our mini-profile dealies on the side of the page?

 

[mike456]

technically it is not compound because you are only using one joint, but yes it does hit a lot of muscles. I do these, and I feel they work your lats and posterior delts the most, they also hit your chest.

 

[Phineas]

technically it is not compound because you are only using one joint, but yes it does hit a lot of muscles. I do these, and I feel they work your lats and posterior delts the most, they also hit your chest.

I've heard the chest thing, but I just don't feel it there.

 

[tailender1]

I've heard the chest thing, but I just don't feel it there.

pullups are great for back (lats) and push ups for chest. I do them i feel the effect on respective muscle groups

 

[Phineas]

pullups are great for back (lats) and push ups for chest. I do them i feel the effect on respective muscle groups

Well, I most certianly agree that pullups are a great exercise. Unfortunately, we're discussing pullovers...completely different exercise.

 

[mike456]

try doing it slower and more controlled on the negative and you will feel were it hits more.

 

[Bowden]

A pullover is not a compound exercise.

Pecs and rear delts are assist (secondary) muscles during a pullover.

Biceps are not stimulated.

Experiment with the degree of angle of your elbows during the ROM.
And see where you feel it the most.