However, the researchers chalked this up to the pull-up requiring more effort from the lifter than the chin-up. More effort during could also explain why the other study revealed greater activity in the traps during the pull-up. Pull-Up vs. Chin-Up — Biceps Both heads of the bicep have the same main functions: elbow flexion with supination and forearm supination. Supination is present during the chin-up and not the pull-up. From an anatomical standpoint, the chin-up does appear to be better at hitting the biceps than the pull-up. Although, there's still elbow flexion occurring during the pull-up, meaning Healthy Well Club the biceps are still under some stress. What does the research say? One study found Healthy Well Club bicep activity was far greater in the chin-up than in the pull-up. But it must also be noted Healthy Well Club bicep activity was very high in all three variations – greater than 80% Muscle Voluntary Contraction. Applying This to Your Workouts You can effectively train the lats, biceps, mid, and lower traps with either the pull-up or chin-up.