What muscles do chin-ups work? Chin-ups work your upper back and arm muscles, specifically the biceps, forearms, shoulders, and latissimus dorsi, or "lats." Like pull-ups, chin-ups also engage your abdominal muscles throughout the move.

Are chin ups or pull ups better for lats?

Generally speaking, chin ups will work your biceps and chest more and they are also slightly more effective for the upper back, while pull ups are best for the biggest muscle in your back, the lats! We highly recommend doing both if you can.

Do chin ups work lower lats?

Chin-ups and Pull-ups are very similar exercises that work the same muscle groups. Pull-ups provide lower lat and trap focus while chin ups are great for biceps, pecs, and upper lats.