Can you really do a one-arm pull-up? My challenge story, starting with bands

✅ One-arm pull-up!
“Everyone dreams of a one-arm pull-up, but in reality, it’s tough.
I was the same. But with just one band, I was able to truly get started.”
One-arm pull-up.
It’s the kind of exercise that looks hard just hearing about it…
But I wanted to try it someday, so I went for it.
And now, with just one band, I’m getting closer and closer to that dream 🙂
💪 Let’s be real: Why is a one-arm pull-up so hard?

A lot of people don’t realize this, but lifting your bodyweight with one arm is far harder than you’d imagine.
Especially the more you weigh, the difficulty skyrockets.
In fact, even UFC fighters often struggle with regular pull-ups if they weigh over 90 kg.
It’s not just about being strong—**relative strength (strength-to-weight ratio + muscular endurance + control)** is what matters.
🧰 Step 1. Start by getting a band!
When you’re first starting out, you really need an assisted pull-up band.
Because bands have different thicknesses and tension levels depending on difficulty,
👉 I recommend starting with a thick resistance band.
If you’re wondering where to buy one, take a look below 😀
I’ve used this myself, and it’s a product you can keep using for a long time~
💡 This is the band I actually used—recommended for beginners!
It’s a thick green band, affordable and durable 🙂
Later, it’s best to move down in resistance within the same brand.
That’s because the weight resistance varies a lot by brand.

WODFitters Pull-Up Assistance Band
풀업과 스트레칭 입문용으로 딱 좋은 튼튼한 고무 밴드!
🟢 초보자도 쉽게 시작할 수 있는 고강도 저항
🌈 다양한 색상 → 난이도별 선택 가능
🧼 내구성 좋고 오래 써도 늘어짐 거의 없음
Since Korea’s “Troviss” products aren’t available overseas,
I looked around and heard this one is the most reliable!
AI ItTip also recommended it 🤖💜
The resistance varies by color,
so start with a strong band like green or purple~
🧗 Step 2. How to set up the band & how to practice
- Loop the band over the pull-up bar,
- At first, practice with both feet on the band.
- Once you get more comfortable, try practicing with only one foot on the band.
- In the end, challenge yourself all the way to pulling up while holding the band with your other hand instead of using it under your foot!
Pro tip!
If you’re gripping the bar with your left hand, put your right foot in the band,
then switch sides and train both ways—you’ll progress more evenly and stay balanced.
🌱 My progress

Right now, I’m almost at the one-arm pull-up stage.
At first it felt so far away, but as I practiced a little every day, I somehow made it this far.
That sense of accomplishment is beyond words.
It’s a totally different feeling from just being happy your muscles got bigger.
📌 One thing I really want to say
Your body never betrays your effort.
No one can do it at first, but if you don’t give up, you’ll get there.
Whether it’s a one-arm pull-up or something else in life…
if you keep moving forward little by little, like Seojun is now, the day it truly happens will come.
🙌 Wrap-up
If you’re working on a one-arm pull-up,
or you’re worried because training feels too hard,
start today with just one band.
And later, you’ll be able to say it too.
“I did a one-arm pull-up too.”
*This post includes product links.
If someone buys through those links, I may earn a small commission—about the price of a coffee(?).*
But with Troviss, I’m speaking from real, hands-on experience! 🙂
