About pull-ups, i guess a way to sum up Dan's idea is that pull ups are a great addition if you like and can do them correctly, but you don't NEED them to train your body and be in good shape and health, with no particular imbalances. Unless you NEED the particular technique to pull your body vertically (Firefighters ? Climbers ? for example) but for everyday life, just cleaning weights from the floor is more than enough for your pulling muscles and is very useful, with good carry over for basic tasks in life. AND you'll still have your biceps pumped if you go heavy enough ;)
