Pull-up bars can challenge other pieces of gym equipment because they can target your upper body muscles and help you gain strength at your home's comfort. However, determining whether your pull-up equipment will provide you intended results or not will depend on your purchase. Read this guide to know everything about this piece of workout equipment and select the most suitable one for you.
Why Should You Install A Pull-up Bar At Home?
If your workout is not restricted to simple jogging but is more than that, you should go for a pull-up bar because it tones your body and helps you gain stamina. It is the best piece of equipment to gain muscle in your upper body, like arms, shoulders, and back. Since it allows you to target multiple muscles and lose extra calories with just one tool, it is worth buying. On comparing it with other gym equipment, we also found that pull-up bars are inexpensive, easy to install and require the least space for setup. Thus, you can reap most of the benefits of a gym in the comfort of your home.
Which Things Should You Consider To Purchase A Pull-up Bar?
Type
There are different types of pull-up bars that you can install at your place. The most common ones are doorframe, wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and joist-mounted.
- You can go for a door-mounted bar if you want an easy setup. All you need to do is fit the bar against the door frame and adjust it according to the frame width. They are great for beginners. Additionally, a tall person can also use it by bending his knees. Not only is it simple to install but also affordable. However, if you are looking for perfect tools for wide grip pullups, then you can count on the following options.
- If you are searching for a more durable option that you can rely upon, then wall-mounted bars are the best option to go for. This type of bar offers tough level pulling exercises for advanced users. One of its biggest advantages is that it doesn’t keep your door engaged like doorway pull-up rods.
- Ceiling mounted rods are another type of pull-up bar that offers multiple grip options like underhand or chin-up grip. They are similar to wall-mounted ones, and the only difference is that they are fixed to the ceiling. So, they do not take space in your room like other rods.
- Joint-mounted pull-up bars are great for both wall as well as the ceiling, so you have more multiple mounting options. They offer high durability at a reasonable price.
Installation
The installation process depends on the type of rod you are purchasing. So, look for one that is easy to set up. Also, double-check if your product contains all the parts or installation tools so that you don’t have to invest in them separately. If they come with an installation guide, it will be the icing on the cake.
Weight Capacity
The most crucial factor to look for is its weight-bearing capacity. If you are lean or have an average weight, go for a bar that can bear up to 300 pounds or more. However, a pull-up rod with 600 pounds weight-bearing capacity is excellent for a heavy person.
Comfort
The grips of the pull-up bar you choose should have foam padding to protect your hands from friction. It also prevents the wall or door from getting damaged by absorbing impacts.
Construction
Imagine the wall coming off while you are hanging on the rod. It is no more than a nightmare. So, you need a strong rod that can bear extreme weight without breaking and should also provide stability. For this, rods made of steel work great.
How To Install A Pull-up Bar?
Installing a pull-up bar at your home or your personal space is easy if you have all the necessary tools with you. Besides, you don't have to be an expert to do this.
- Firstly, check the type of pull bar you are using, then go to the required space. For instance, you can install a doorway bar on a doorway while the ceiling bar needs to be fixed at the ceiling of your house.
- Measure the size of your bar along with the distance between its screws and how it sits on the wall.
- Now mark the area using a marker you want to drill.
- Drill holes on the markings.
- Next, fix the pull-up bars and tighten their screws.
- Test their stability by hanging on it. Don't give a burst of pressure at once. If it seems well, you can go for your next pullup reps.
What Are The Benefits of Pull-up Bars?
Here are the top reasons that prove how the pull-up bar helps your body.
- It enables you to target several muscles at once, like the lats, traps, biceps, forearms, triceps, and more.
- It helps you to improve your grip strength which later allows you to perform deadlifts, backcross, and other exercises conveniently at the gym.
- Pull-up rods go easy on your joints and tendons. So if your body is prone to injuries, you can perform pull-up exercises without any fear.
- You may not notice, but a pull-up bar saves you a lot of time because when you train your muscles without a pulling rod, it costs you big time.
- These bars are portable. So you can use them at your home today and in your garage the other day.
Pull-up Bar FAQ
Q: Can I use a pull-up bar every day?
A: It depends on your fitness level. If you are a beginner, you should not perform pull-up exercises every day, but doing them every 2-3 days is safe and effective. You can gradually increase the frequency slowly.
Q: Does a pull-up bar ruin my door or wall?
A: A pull-up bar does not damage doors, ceilings, or walls if installed correctly. They have foam covers on the grip section to protect them from the impacts of damage. However, if you have a pretty old house where you can see a lot of cracks or rips, you should check it first by drilling. If the wall material doesn't come off, then you can install it.
Q: How many pull-ups are good for me?
A: Generally, men should be able to perform at least 8 reps. However, women can go for 1-3 reps in a single set. Besides, men who can do around 15 reps and women who can do around 7 reps are considered stronger and more fit.