Assisted pullups machine is actually kinda great for learning pullups. Who would have thought.
Instead of painfully forcing at least a single one, with bad technique, you just... start doing actual pullups. With full range of motion, teaching your muscle to do it correctly from day one. And doing a lot of them. Gym coach told me to do 3 sets with 20 reps each with max support, and it was amazing. I can actually learn the technique for the first time in my life.
Progression is just a matter of reducing the support weight. You gradually ease into a state where you can do it without support, with proper technique and enough reps.
Also tried up the ClimbMill for the first time. It is like climbing an infinite escalator. Did 1000 stairs. A great leg strength exercise, and it consistently kept me in the aerobic zone. Good stuff :3