Wide-Grip pullup isn't strengthening my back??

[srhooton]

I was using Dougs 4 day workout for about 12 weeks, and as part of the back routine I did three sets of wide-grip pullups. I had to use the assisted weight thing, putting it at about 14 (not sure how many lbs that is).

So I did these wide grip pullups for 12 weeks, but I didn't really get any stronger. I used the same "14" for most of the time, and if I lowered it, I could only do one set and would burn out quickly. I saw gains though, and I could feel my muscles on my back getting bigger and more defined, but the strength wasn't coming along.

What could be the reason for this? (my form was good, using the 2:1:2)

[Scrutiny]

You should of used un-assisted pull ups.
The point is, if you cannot perform them, you still work at them un-assisted by performing negatives, or as many as possible with the pullups, striving for improvements each week.

You probably didn't notice much in the strength side of things because you have been using the same weight, and probably not overly keen on increasing the intensity.

Stop using the assisted machine, get a spot from one of us. After a few weeks you will be pulling sets of 4 or five unassisted.

[PhillyDev]

Also, check your form on that one, as you may be using more of your arms to pull. When you pull up, squeese your shoulder blades together, like you are trying to crush something between them. Hope this helps!

[santosa]

In the beginning, when I felt pull up was so hard, usually it was my biceps that were failing me. Since pull up is a compound exercise using biceps as secondary muscles, when your biceps become stronger, pull up should become easier for you as well. But as PhillyDev said, your main pulling muscles should be your back, not your biceps.

[daghetto]

is it fine to do seated cable rows, one arm dumbell rows and bent over barbell rows for dougs 4 day splits' back day instead?i dont particularly like wide grip pullups

[shooter]

pull ups are worth it but if you really dont like them they can be substituted with a lat pull down machine, but i wouldnt reccomend that, just do negatives like scrutiny said and eventually you will be able to do full sets and mabye with added weight

[EKnight]

For width, wide grip pull-ups are awesome. Why don't you like them? -EK

[Coregains]

The way i see it, you need to progress each week, if you did 14' for 10 reps drop the weight next week to 13' and even if you do 5 reps you have still progressed.

Aim to do 10 then once you can add weight each week.

[Zenjamin]

Im using the wide grip Lat pull down to work me up to wide grip pull-ups.

I know negatives were recommended, but I just find it much easier to focus on form with the lat pull down. And my stabilizers are worked with all the other back workouts I do.