Soccer players may be known for their leg strength, but that doesn't mean they neglect upper-body training. A pre-season pullup test from Manchester United is going viral after retired soccer player Rio Ferdinand took on the brutal challenge.
Ferdinand recently shared a video of himself taking on the challenge where he was able to complete 12 total pullups.
But, it's not just about grabbing onto a set of bars and repping through as many pullups as possible. It's a method designed to test more than just how many you can do. The Manchester United pullup test is a serious strength and endurance challenge-especially for your grip.
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To do the pullup test, grab onto a bar with an overhand grip with your arms fully extended. Perform your first pullup, then return to a fully lengthened position.
After lowering yourself back to a full hang with arms extended, you pause and hold that stretched position for roughly seven seconds before completing the next.
"Remember, when I say go is when you do your next pullup. You always come to a straight out," the trainer tells Ferdinand, emphasizing the strict form.
According to the trainer, most Manchester United players can knock out eight or nine reps using this paused method.
Ferdinand takes on the challenge and though he struggles a bit near the end, he completes the challenge with 12 reps. Once he finishes his last rep, he immediately comments on how demanding it was on his grip strength.
If you're looking for a new way to test your upper-body strength, give the Manchester United pullup test a shot. Just don't be surprised if you're sore the next day.
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