How do I get stronger on wide pull ups? About 6 yrs ago, when I started, I could not do one (in fact, I suffered a partial tear of one bicep); I now do “50” on my back days: about 8 and 8 wide, about 8 and 8 medium, and about 8 and 8 chin ups, but chin does not get above bar; i use wrist wraps to get an extra rep or 2: I am 56 and weigh 205 #.