Keeping your shoulders down during pull-ups is essential to engage the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain.

Here are some tips to help you maintain proper shoulder positioning during pull-ups:

1. Shoulder Positioning: Start with your shoulders in a relaxed, downward position. Avoid hunching them up toward your ears.
2. Grip Width: Experiment with different grip widths on the pull-up bar. A slightly wider grip may allow you to engage the lats and pull your shoulders down more effectively.
3. Engage the Lats: Before you begin the pull-up, think about engaging your latissimus dorsi (lats), the large muscles in your back. This engagement will help you pull your shoulders down as you lift your body.
4. Pull from the Elbows: Instead of thinking about pulling with your arms, focus on initiating the movement by pulling with your elbows. This will help activate the lats and keep your shoulders in a better position.