Chin-ups develop your back, arms and grip strength. Chin-up bars come in a variety of styles, and the size of the equipment can affect the type of workout you can do. It can also affect how stable the equipment feels while you are lifting yourself on it.
Types
Many chin-up bars are door-mounted devices that range from single poles to larger, multi-bar systems that create the opportunity for many exercise types. High-quality systems are larger than their door-mounted counterparts. These systems are often mounted to the studs in a wall and extend into the room. Chin-up bars in health clubs are generally standing racks that take up more space than door-mounted home systems.
Features
Single pole chin-up bars are mounted to a doorway with round brackets drilled to the door frame. The bar is then placed over the brackets and telescoped out to fit the door size, typically 30 to 36 inches. The bar size on this type of equipment is typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Multi-bar systems mount to the doorway by sliding forked ends on each side of the bar around the door jamb. Applying your weight to the bar holds it in place. These systems have bars up to 3 inches in diameter.
Function
A bar with a larger diameter is more useful for improving your grip while you do chin-ups because it will be harder to maintain your hold on the bar throughout the exercise. Larger, multi-bar systems are better for a more extensive chin-up workout that hits more of your back, arm and abdominal muscles. Standing rack and chin-up bars bolted to your wall take up the most space, but provide more stability than door-mounted chin-up bars and will not damage your door frame.
Considerations
Consider the workout space you have when purchasing a chin-up bar. Single-bar systems have zero footprint in your workout area because they are permanently mounted to your door and are out of the way until you choose to use them. Multi-bar systems must be removed from the doorway after use and typically require at least a 12-inch area to be stored. Standing chin-up racks like those in health clubs may require several square feet of floor space.
Price
As of November 2010, some models of single-bar systems cost less than $20. Larger systems that mount to your wall or act as a standing rack can cost $200 or more.
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