i managed to do three pull-ups last night though i had to cheat by jumping up a bit at the start. i tried to do leg lifts from a dead hang but could only get to about 60 degrees from vertical (you're supposed to get to 90 degrees). so that means my core is weak as shit, just as i suspected. i've been trying to solve some problems with my hips and my posture and i think that a muscle imbalance is likely the main problem. i'm going to practice doing those leg lifts and also work on my pull-ups.

i told my friend i needed to do some core work and he told me about bicycles. i don't see any reason why i shouldn't be doing these frequently until i get some core strength built up. i think i can get to ten pull-ups with a bit of training and my goal is to be able to do a muscle-up from dead hang to survive the 'dangling from a chairlift' scenario.

this image shows how to do a bicycle.