Assisted Pull-ups To set up on the assisted pull up machine, choose a weight that will allow for five pull ups in a row. Use the wide grip handles to target the lats and upper back. Create tension by squeezing the belly and the quads. Pull the shoulders down and back in the start position. Now pull the elbows straight down towards the ground until the handles are even with the chest at the top of the Rep, slowly lower to the bottom in a nice straight line. You will be going from AY position at the bottom to AW position at the top.