Is it normal to struggle with pull-ups?
Yep.Totally normal
Yes—pull-ups are hard for a lot of people, even if you’re otherwise fit. They ask you to lift much of your bodyweight using your upper body and grip, so struggling at first is completely normal.
Pull-ups are a tough exercise because you’re lifting your own bodyweight, and they rely on specific back, arm, shoulder, and grip strength. Being good at other kinds of exercise doesn’t automatically make them easy.
Lots of people start with assisted pull-ups, slow lowering reps, or easier variations and build up over time. If you’re struggling because of pain or a sudden change in strength, that’s different; otherwise, finding pull-ups difficult is no big deal.