Tip: Build a Home Pull-Up Bar

[Bible_Belt]

I finally set up a punching bag and pull-up bar on my back deck last week, and I wish I had done it a long time ago. All I did for the pullup bar was screw two 8' 2x6s to the vertical rails above the steps to the deck. The metal bar came from the farm store. Total budget is about $12. It helps to have a good drill.

I can remember being able to do about seven pullups a long time ago. The first time on my new pullup bar I managed about 1 1/4. I am up to two now. It's a really short workout when you can only do two pullups, but I can see and feel my arms getting bigger already. The convenience of having it at home makes me use it a lot. It's built so it's not in the way of anything, so it's always there. I'm adding some dip bars as soon as I find the right brackets.

If you live in a typical house or apartment and wanted a pullup bar, you would basically make a big shelf to hang yourself from, probably out of 2x4s. As long as you attach it to the wall studs, it should hold your weight. If you have drywall walls and are renting, the holes you make are easy to fix. I have a lot of contractor and construction experience if anyone wants to pm me their home gym building questions.

 

[Duracell_Bunny]

I've also added a bar, there's so many exercises that can be done as well as hanging leg raises

At both ends of the rail I've used hooks where gymnast rings can be attached for dips or a heavy bag.

If going into brick/concrete I'd recommend some good heavy duty anchor bolts. Mine can support both the heavy bag and me, it's rock solid and doesn't budge at all!

 

[AAAgent]

I've had a home pullup bar since i was 12. I used to walk in and out and do pullups each time. It's definitely helped with being able to do pullups well and potentially having broad shoulders.

 

[zekko]

Back when I was a younger man and had more energy, I used to walk two miles to the park every day, do pull ups on the monkey bars, then walk back home.

 

[speed dawg]

Back when I was a younger man and had more energy, I used to walk two miles to the park every day, do pull ups on the monkey bars, then walk back home.

Haha I do this too. I take my kids out there and while they are playing, I am working out.

 

[ubercat]

It's a great idea BB. Some of the guys find pull ups a bit hard on the ligaments and swap it out for inverted rowing. I guess if you drilled through your 8 by fours. You could just have the bars sitting in the hole so you could have them at different Heights which would cover the inverted rowing move.

It is amazing what you can do with body weight exercises. I bet my shoulder coming off my motorbike. Been Doin good old fashioned stomach crunches supermans squats and reverse lunges for a couple of weeks. I can see the difference already.

 

[Bible_Belt]

It's easier on the ligaments to do rope pull-ups, also more taxing on the muscles. I've used a thick rope dog toy, which has knots in either end. I throw it over the bar and hold on to the rope.

 

[ubercat]

Hmm not sure I get that. Is it to do with the grip position?

 

[Bible_Belt]

I think so. I can feel it not be as taxing on my elbows. However many bar pullups you can do, using the rope cuts that number in about half.

 

[marmel75]

Why bother when you can buy really good ones that hang on a doorframe for under $20

 

[Bible_Belt]

Why bother when you can buy really good ones that hang on a doorframe for under $20

 

[ubercat]

Geez I wouldn't trust my hundred kg weight to no door frame. That fails my worst case scenario test.

 

[blind_one]

Geez I wouldn't trust my hundred kg weight to no door frame. That fails my worst case scenario test.

This one is not home built, unless you can weld

You do not have to tell me that me and my Pa installed this one. 8 steel pins/pegs whatever you call it. 3 of them are 3 x 4in and 5 x 3in. Plus its useful towel hanger.