Pullups work the following muscles of the back: Latissimus dorsi: largest upper back muscle that runs from the mid-back to under the armpit and shoulder blade. ... Infraspinatus: assists with shoulder extension and is located on the shoulder blade.

Are pull-ups bad for rotator cuff?

Wide and reverse pull-ups demonstrate several kinematics patterns that are linked with increased shoulder injury risk (rotator cuff pathology such as impingement).

What back muscles do pull-ups not work?

Pull-ups target your back muscles primarily, specifically your lats, but also your chest and shoulder muscles. Compared to a chin-up, pull-ups better engage the lower trapezius muscles in your back, between your shoulder blades.