How is the chin-up an assistance exercise?

[Nicholas Rega]

Coach,

Can you explain to me how the chin-up is an assistance movement for the press and bench press? It doesn't mimic the presses, nor does it utilize the same musculature that the presses use to directly transfer force into the barbell.

I have failed to find material within the SS methodology that explains this, and I am dissatisfied with the response to this question outside the methodology: "Have you ever seen a good bench presser with a small back back, bro?!"

Is the chin-up also an assistance movement for the deadlift for those who cannot keep the bar in contact with their legs despite using the correct cues?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Technically, it is an Ancillary exercise, as defined in the blue book in chapter 7. We are sometimes not careful about this term.

[Nicholas Rega]

Thank you for the correction, Rip. Is it useful for the presses because you need to keep the last tight in each movement, or is the chin-up useful for another reason that I am missing?

[Mark Rippetoe]

It's for your arms, dude.

[VivekSaini007]

ARMS????

Who are you and what have you done to the real Mark Rippetoe?

[Nicholas Rega]

It's for your arms, dude.

ARMS????

Who are you and what have you done to the real Mark Rippetoe?

Did you just go bro on us Rip?! Haha
I guess with that comment in mind, a little hypertrophy specific training is included in the program, and maybe for elbow health?

Just trying to increase my knowledge.

[AndrewLewis]

It's for the lats, forearms, biceps (largely missing from the main lifts). Basically, yer arms, bro.

[Nicholas Rega]

Thanks, Andrew.