A complete full body workout can be achieved with almost no equipment. Pulling exercises, however, are impossible to perform without something from which you can hang. A homemade pull-up bar is the solution. There are many options for this piece of equipment, ranging from lightweight and portable to a permanent installation.
No-impact Pull-up Bar
Sometimes, your living situation just does not allow for physical alterations. Those cases call for a pull-up bar you can mount over a rafter without any permanent changes. A selection of galvanized steel pipes form the basis of the bar, according to a plan on the Celtic Kane website. Just be sure that your intended support will securely hold the combined weight of you and the bar.
Suspension Trainer
A suspension trainer such as the TRX is a versatile option that can be secured from open rafters, a closed door, or even a tree branch. You can build your own with three lashing straps, a length of one-inch PVC pipe and a weight-bearing carabiner (Ross Enamait). A suspension trainer can be used for more than just pull-ups; there is a wide range of exercises you can perform with one.
Door Anchor Pull-up Device
A relatively short length of nylon strap can become a pair of door-anchored pull-up devices. One end of the strap is stitched into a loop around a wooden block to make the anchor. Stitch the other end into an empty loop; this is where you will grip with your fingers. You will need two such straps in the design by trainer Patrick Donnelly on his website. Make sure that the door you intend to use with these will support your weight. These straps are also portable, which makes them ideal for use while traveling.
Permanent Ceiling Mounted Pull-up Bar
If you have the option of mounting a pull-up bar permanently to your ceiling, you will need a 2 x 6, several lengths of pipe, pipe elbows, and floor flanges. If you have open rafters, the 2 x 6 should be mounted across them for support. Assemble the pipes into your pull-up bar and attach it to the 2 x 6 using the floor flanges. Ideally, the flanges should be directly under the rafters. As always, test the pull-up bar and its mounting location for safety.
Permanent Wall-mounted Pull-up Bar
You can build a pull-up bar that mounts to the studs in a sturdy wall in a similar way to the ceiling bar. You can mount the bar directly to the wall using the pipes, elbow joints and floor flanges. If you mount it directly to studs, you will not need a horizontal 2 x 6 for additional support. An important consideration is the length of the uprights coming out of the wall. Make sure the bar is far enough out for your feet and legs to clear the wall.
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