Pull-up bars should be a staple of any home gym.
So the only decision is – store bought pull-up bar or home-made.
We can’t make that decision for you but we can tell you how to make your own.
How to Make Your Own Pull-Up Bar
Pull-up bars are some of the most straightforward gym equipment you can make by yourself. Without investing a lot of money, you can get a set of sturdy pull-up bars to start your training.
You can attach the bars to a wall inside or outside, or if you have a backyard, you can create your DIY pull-up bars in the yard. If you get high-quality material to build them, then you’ll have one of the most durable and resistant gym equipment.
Tools and Material You Will Need
You won’t need to invest a lot to get a sturdy set of bars. Here are all the materials you’ll need to build your own set of pull-up bars:
- 2 4×6, 12-foot posts (use treated lumber)
- 1 4 foot, 1-inch threaded pipe
- Two 1-inch floor flanges
- One tube of Loctite Threadlocker
- Eight wood screws
- One tube of thread glue/sealant (this is to keep the threaded pull-up bar from unscrewing when you crank on it)
- Four 80-pound bags of Quikcrete
If you already own tools and have experience with DIY projects, then you’ll have no problems.
Here’s the list of all the tools you’ll need to build your own pull-up bar set:
- 1 Post Hole Digger
- One skill saw
- One cordless drill
- One 4-foot level
You will only need to use the skill saw if your posts are bigger than needed. So you won’t need to worry about it if you can get the right size of wood for the posts.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Pull-up Bars
1. Securing the Poles
1. Screw the Flanges to the Pipe: One of the hardest parts of this project is to find out how to connect the bars to the posts in an easy way.
For this, you’ll need to secure the pipes with floor flanges and a female-thread. After putting the thread locker sealant to the pipe, you’ll only need to screw the floor flanges on. Repeat the process on both sides.
2. Dig the Holes: This is hard work even if you have the post-hole digger. Make sure the hole is deep and wide enough to give the necessary support to the posts. Repeat the process for both posts.
- Each hole should be around 25″ or 30″ (63.5 cm to 76.5 cm) deep.
- The holes should be about 5 feet (152 cm) from each other.
3. Cut the Posts: This step is only necessary if your posts are bigger than what you need. As always, be careful when you are using the saw for cutting the posts. Your post should be around 10 (304 cm) feet long.
2. Installing the Bar
1. Connect the Bars to the Post: The smartest thing to do is connect the bars to the posts before placing the posts in the ground. It is a lot more work to secure the bar once the posts are up and set.
- Screw the flanges to the first post.
- Then, do the same with the second. Make sure each side is positioned symmetrically.
- Elevate the posts slightly from the ground to make the second step easier.
- Now you are set to go for the final steps.
2. Set the Posts: Once the bar is connected to the posts, you’ll only need to set the posts on the ground to finish and be able to enjoy your DIY pull-up bars.
With the posts placed in position, you’ll need to add the Quikrete. It is essential to keep the posts steady for this step, so we recommend looking for someone to help you.
Note: The Quikrete usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes to set, depending on the amount used. Keep the posts as steady as possible, or you’ll end up with funny angles.
Wait for 24 hours for the Quickcrete to be fully set.
Other Exercises for Pull-Up Bars
If you already built your pull-up bar, then you can quickly turn them into a set of parallel bars or dip bars. You only need to do twice the work by building another pull-up bar with the same measures and placing it at about 42 cm (16.5″) apart.
If you don’t have the space to have a set of parallel bars and pull-up bars, you can build a combined parallel plus pull-up bar. For this, you’ll need the following:
- Two bars of 3.5 meters (11.5 feet)
- Two wood posts of 2 meters (6.5 feet)
- The same tool for building the pull-up bars
Join the parallel bars to the pull-up bar’s posts. Then connect the two bars to the two wood posts. Proceed to use the Quikrete, keep the posts steady for 20 to 40 minutes until the Quikrete is strong enough to hold them.
Now, enjoy your pull-up plus dip bar.
Reasons to Do Pull-Ups
Pull-ups are one of the most useful exercises because they train a large number of muscles.
Pull-ups help you build functional strength as opposed to the isolated power that other activities focus on.
You can also perform a versatile number of exercises and change the exercises’ effect on the body. You can do this by simply changing your grip, legs, position, and the width between your hands.
Another benefit of pull-ups is that you can do them anywhere, and you won’t need to go to a gym for it. Any sturdy set of bars attached to a high surface can give you the necessary to perform pull-ups exercises.
Pull-ups Are the Perfect Exercise for Building Your Body
One of the critical features that pull-ups exercises offer you is building up your body in a small amount of time. Pull-ups are known as the best V-shape bodybuilder, thanks to the muscles it involves.
Pull-ups target every vital muscle in the back and the middle and latter part of the delts, giving you the most versatile bodyweight exercise.
Pull-ups Will Help You Strengthen Your Grip
One part of the body most gym lovers struggle to train is the forearms and the grip. Pull-ups are excellent options to train these parts of the body as they involve all the arm’s muscles.
Another excellent benefit of pull-ups is how easy they are on the joints, making it the perfect exercise for athletes.
Overall, pull-ups are the best exercise for home-gym lovers. They will give you strength, balance, and
Alternatives to Pull-up Bars
If you cannot build a pull-up bar set but still want to train your back muscles, this exercise is for you.
You won’t need a bar or any other gym equipment to perform this:
Towel Row
You can do this exercise if you have a sturdy door or upright. You only need a hand towel strong enough to hold your weight and strength.
Just follow the next steps:
- Place the towel around the upright.
- Position yourself with the elbows up, making a 90-degree with your arms.
- Then, let yourself fall without moving your feet.
- Bring yourself back up.
- Repeat the process for as much as you want.
Horizontal Row or Australian Pull Up
Although most people do this exercise with a pull-up bar and a couple of rings, you can also do the Australian pull up if you have a sturdy pair of chairs or a table.
You only need to lay under the table and hold the edge as if it was a pull-up bar. Then, use your strength to go up and down at a constant pace.
Floor Elbow Row
This is an excellent exercise for beginners as it doesn’t require much ability or strength. You only need to lay on the floor or over a yoga mat if you have one. Then, lift your back from the ground using only your elbows.
Hold in there until you feel your muscles working, then go back to the floor and repeat the process.
Superman
This exercise requires coordination and experience with back training.
You only need to lay on the ground facing the mat or floor. Then, lift your upper body(chest) from the ground. While you do this, you should also activate your glutes’ muscles to get the best results.
Conclusion
Pull-ups are the best exercises to train the back, and they are also one of the easiest DIY projects for your home gym.
You’ll only need a sturdy metal bar, two wood posts of about 10 feet (304 cm), screws, glue, and some tools to work it all. DIY pull-up bars are sturdy and will allow you to train in your home without having to worry about going to the gym.
