Reaching 10 pullup target

TP_CM

So after quite a lot of work I am at the stage where I can do 7 pullups on my first set. Then 5 reps, then I do 3 sets of 3 reps and for those 3 sets I add in 2 chin ups at the end of each set.

What's the fastest route to 10 pullups from here? As I understand it, my options are weighted pullups with less reps, or having a support band to get in more reps, or bringing in other exercises such as just working the scapula, or the 2 second hold at the top/halfway. Any advice? I'm leaning more towards the weighted option because reps 1-3 are quite strong. So maybe a 5kg or 10kg plate with a belt. But maybe I'm not far enough along for that yet?.

This is all part of a standard gym workout plan by the way. It's not the only thing I'm working on but it has been a dream of mine for many many years. Any tips would be appreciated.

Black Sheep

If your reps are increasing overall you’re still on the right track. If you’re doing 7, 5, 3, 3 then if you can add a rep here and there then you are still progressing. 7, 6, 4, 3... Then 7, 6, 5, 4, ... And so on. The first set will become 8, then 9 etc.

Are you doing your four sets once a week? Could add in a second day with a few more sets or a different vertical pull.

I wouldn’t be in favour of adding weight until you can do 10 good quality reps.

Other options:-

Dropping bodyweight always helps things, depending on your body composition.

If you want to really focus on getting your numbers you could also look into “grease the groove”.

You’re almost there if you can do 7 by the way.

TP_CM

I've slightly changed approach a bit this year, and I'm basically doing a full body workout every 2nd day. Since Pullups are my priority for now, I'm starting the workout with Back. I know it goes against what a lot of people do but it seems to be really working well for me at the moment. Once I have a solid foundation I'll start homing in on certain body parts per day. Dropping bodyweight isn't really needed for me I think. I'm 82Kg/6ft so I'm probably fine there. I'm spending quite a bit of time working on core as well. Apparently that's a lot more involved in a pull-up than I realised, and my core is my weakest part. Too many days and nights spent sitting in an office chair.

After 10 pullups I'll be targeting Handstand and Muscle-up

Cill94

I don't recommend weighted pull-ups until you can do 10-15 with bodyweight.

You just need to build the total reps you're doing across the week. Two or three days a week is effective. Leave out the scapula bullshit.

TP_CM

Grand so no weight and just keep trying to add a rep here and there to any of the sets. I'll give it a few weeks and we'll see.

Augme

Where do you feel you are struggling on the 7th reps?

If you are looking going down the road of muscle-ups and handstands then I'd definitely recommend doing adding in scapula work.