In small homes or apartments with limited space, bulky exercise equipment may take up too much space for practical purposes. However, a variety of simple equipment is available that fits into any standard doorway. These setups are usually inexpensive, and having the apparatus overhead instead of in a separate room serves as a constant reminder to keep up with a fitness regimen.
Chinups
A simple chinup bar installs in moments and facilitates a variety of exercises. Some, such as the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar, can be used for pullups and chinups while installed in a door, and then removed and used on the floor for exercises such as pushups. You can buy a chinup bar that fits a doorway for as low as $20 as of May 2011.
Accessories
Ab straps like those made by Iron Gym or Harbinger are available that hang from chinup bars. With these, you can hang from your arms, which enables a greater range of abdominal exercises. You can also find situp bars that fit doorways, such as the Altus Sit-Up Bar. Other basic exercise pulley sets that attach to doors are available starting as low as $15 as of May 2011.
Resistance
Several companies produce resistance bands that anchor to any standard door, such as the Weider X-Factor Door Gym. This system of resistance bars and straps allows you to pull on an increasing amount of resistance, up to 210 lbs., for a full-body workout that builds your strength and muscle mass. The equipment comes with a chart displaying more than 50 possible exercises.
Inversion
For those looking for an exercise beyond the norm, inversion swings and inversion racks allow you to hang upside-down in a doorway to perform a variety of exercises. These systems cost more than chinup bars, but permit a greater range of motion, thus targeting more muscle groups. They also come with a traditional chinup bar as part of their equipment.
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