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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Legless Rope Climb Arms-Only Ascent, the Hand-Over-Hand Pull
A rope climb using arms only. Grip the rope high, hang with your feet clear, and pull up hand over hand with your arms and back.
Stop if
Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.
This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
- Works at home
- Works at the gym
none
Home Options
- bodyweight
Dosage
3
Sets
8
Reps / Time
60 sec
Rest
controlled
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 of 5
Grip the rope high with both hands and hang - your feet never touch the rope at any point in this climb.

Step 2 of 5
Pull your body up using only your arms and back - one hand reaching past the other, hand over hand.

Step 3 of 5
Keep pulling hand over hand, holding your body close to the rope so it does not swing.

Step 4 of 5
Reach as high as possible with each arm movement so every pull takes you as far up the rope as it can.

Step 5 of 5
Grip the rope high with both hands and hang - your feet never touch the rope at any point in this climb.
Safety Information
Practise only over thick landing mats with the rope anchor checked first - an arms-only slip from height is the real risk. Anyone with a shoulder, elbow, hand or back problem or balance problem should ask a physical therapist or physician before attempting this exercise and stop at pain or dizziness. Repeat only within a comfortable range and stop on unusual pain. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.