Centralized Fitness

Pull Up Bar Reviews: Know the Facts:

Pull-ups and chin-ups on a workout bar are perhaps the best ways to strengthen the upper body. Using a pull-up bar can be quite strenuous at first since it requires an immense amount of strength in order to perform the correct technique. However, continued use will result in greater strength and muscle mass in the arms, stomach and back.

Benefits of Using a Pull-Up Bar:
One of the primary reasons why people take on a routine like this is to build muscle. Both pull-ups and chin-ups are ideal for stressing the muscles being that you must lift the weight of your body. Athletes who perform any type of “gripping” sport such as Frisbee throwing, rock climbing or jousting can benefit from a pull-up bar, since it builds excellent grip. You’ll also get stronger in other exercises at the same time including bench and overhead presses. And finally, pull-ups and chin-ups can work to promote muscle health in the shoulders. It helps keep the muscles in balance and promotes blood flow.

What are Pull-ups and Chin-ups?
While there are many variations of these two exercises, the pull-up and chin-up can be described easily in their most basic form. The “pull-up” is performed by gripping the bar with your palms facing away from your body. The “chin-up” is performed the opposite way, with your palms facing you. Some bars allow you to have your palms facing each other.

Types of Pull-up Bars:

• Doorway-Mounted: The easiest-to-install and cheapest pull up bars are the ones which mount inside of a door way. The doorway pull up bar needs no hardware to install, as it grips onto the upper lip of the doorway. Once you place your weight onto the bar, it tightly grips the door using leverage. They may look a bit precarious at first, but they are very strong and sturdy. These bars fit onto most standard doorways and can be removed quickly. Some can even be used on the floor to assist with crunches and push-ups. See the Iron Gym pull up bar for an example.

• Wall/Ceiling Mounted: The wall-mounted bars are ideal for installation in a permanent home gym where space is plentiful. Since they are installed in a semi-permanent fashion, they almost always have a greater weight limit that door mounted models. If you have a drill, stud finder and a screwdriver, you’ll be able to install one with no problem.

• Power Rack: Power racks are universal workout devices which most often have a power bar at the top. These free-standing racks are very stable and can be moved around the gym. They don’t take up doorway space and can be used to perform other workouts such as weight lifting.

Proper Technique:
Grip the bar using mostly your fingers, not your palm. After each pull-up or chin-up, take a rejuvenating breath at the bottom of each stroke. Pull back your shoulders and put your chest out. Slouching your shoulders forward can promote bad posture and possibly damage. Your eyes should be looking at the bar at all times, not the floor or straight ahead. Elbows should be pointed toward the ground, not forward. This forces the back muscles to work harder. While suspended, hold your legs in a crossed position.View our pull up bar reviews above to discover some great models.