Door Pull Up Bar

There are several types of pull up bars on the market but if you are working out at home, the best type to consider are the door pull up bars that can be used in just about any door frame. If you have the room outside in the back yard or a huge spare room in the house, a standard pull up bar piece of gym equipment with the frame would be ideal.

However, most of us don't have that kind of room in our homes or simply don't want to spend more money on another piece of gym equipment. This is where the pull up bar for door frames comes in handy. There are two basic types which you can buy.

The first type is the mounted version which requires permanent placement of the pull up bar in a door frame. This is ideal if you install it in a room that is specifically just for exercise or in a basement out of the way of guests.

The second type is the removable version which you can move from door to door or store away when you are not using it. This one is the most preferred as you can travel with it if you want.

Both versions are relatively affordable. It comes down to a matter of preference in terms of your usage.

Removable pull up bars are the kind that you place above and inside the door frame and your weight keeps it held into place. In general, there is a bar or rod on one side that pivots up over the back of your door frame allowing the entire pull up bar to rest above the frame.

The other side of the pull up bar fits through the top of the door frame, with bracing bars that rest against the door trim. Some people will add their own padding to the bar along the edges so as not scratch the door frame's wood or paint.

You body weight acts as leverage pushing the front bar down and against the edges of the door frame, while the back bar above the door frame is pushed forward against the wall which locks the entire system into place.

These removable bars come in various types as well with some having options for hand positions. Be sure to read the product description thoroughly as some bars only fit certain size door frames. You may not want to go to cheap when selecting a bar as the cheaper ones may not work as well in terms of supporting a heavier weight.

Another version of the pull up bar are the permanent ones which you bolt onto your door frame with screws and brackets. Most models come with 2 sets of brackets so that you can place them in two different positions (one high, one low.) These allow you to move the actual bar, however, the brackets are permanently bolted into place.

The only downside to this version is the fact that the brackets and bar can be an eyesore in common areas of the home. They are best used in a room reserved as the "home gym" or out of the way in a basement or other area where guests are not likely to visit.

Beachbody products makes an excellent removable pull up bar that was designed for the P90X in-home fitness program. It has received excellent reviews. The video above demonstrates its use in the home.