Resistance training using your own body weight is one of the best exercises you can do to help build muscle and get a cardiovascular workout. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a pull up is a resistance training exercise that provides one of the best workouts for overall body toning. You can easily and inexpensively make your own free-standing pull up bar at home with just a few supplies.
Step 1
Cut a 1-inch diameter steel pipe with a hacksaw into the following measurements: two 8-foot lengths, one 4-foot length and four 3-foot lengths of pipe.
Step 2
Clean the inside of the 90-degree steel pipe angles, T-junctions and the outside of the pipe pieces with a damp washcloth to remove any dust or debris. Let the metal dry fully before proceeding to further steps.
Step 3
Apply pipe cement to the outside of one end of the 4-foot steel pipe. Insert the cemented end of the pipe into one of the 90-degree steel pipe angles. Apply pipe cement to the outside of the other end of the 4-foot pipe and insert it into the second 90-degree pipe angle. The 4-foot piece of pipe will eventually become the actual pull up bar.
Step 4
Apply pipe cement to the outside of one end of the 8-foot piece of steel pipe. Insert the cemented end into the other end of the first 90-degree steel pipe angle. Take the second 8-foot piece of steel pipe and apply cement. Stick the cemented end into the second 90-degree pipe angle. The two 8-foot pipe pieces should be parallel to each other.
Step 5
Apply pipe cement to the open ends of both 8-foot lengths of steel pipe. Place a T-joint over each cemented end. Cement one end of each of the four remaining 3-foot pieces. Place one 3-foot length into each of the four open slots of the T-joints to form the base structure for the pull up bar, allowing it to stand up on it's own. The four 3-foot pieces should be parallel to each other as two 6-foot sections connected by the T-joint to create a "T" shape with the 8-foot pieces.
Step 6
Let the cement dry for at least 24 hours before using the pull up bar.
Tips and Warnings
- Use liberal amounts of pipe cement for each section to ensure that each pipe stays in place. Wrap the bar in soft tape, such as medical tape or cloth tape, to provide grip while using the finished product.
Things You'll Need
- 2 8-foot steel pipes
- 1 4-foot steel pipe
- 4 3-foot steel pipe
- 2 90-degree steel pipe angles
- 2 T-joints
- Hack Saw
- Pipe Cement
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