In a recent entry, I encouraged everyone to keep pushing throughout the COVID-19 quarantine. Pushups are perhaps the most convenient exercise of all. They can be done anywhere. Yet, as we continue to push, it’s also important to pull. Unfortunately, pull-ups aren’t always as convenient to perform. Depending on your living arrangement, you may need to harness some creativity to concoct a pull-up solution.
Pull-ups Anywhere
With that in mind, I created a brief collage highlighting a few (of many) home-based pull-up options. I will then discuss each option below in more detail.
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1. Sturdy Tree Branch
If you have access to a strong branch, it can make for a great pull-up bar and often provides a unique challenge to the grip depending on thickness. And if you can’t reach the branch, you can extend your reach by looping a rope or long towel over the branch as seen here.
Gymnastic rings or suspension trainer handles can also extend your reach.
2. Basement Pull-up Bar
If you live in a house with a basement, you can easily build a pull-up station. As you can see, I have attached strips of 2×4-inch wood to the overhead rafters. I then drilled a hole through each 2×4 and ran a piece of pipe through the holes. I secured the pipe by using inexpensive hose clamps. I inserted a clamp on the inside and outside of each 2×4 to keep the pipe from sliding.
3. Outdoor Pull-up Bar
Another option is to create an outdoor pull-up station between trees. Refer to this past entry for close-up pictures and instructions.
4. Doorway Pull-up Bar
Doorway pull-up bars are also an option. If you look close at mine, you’ll notice that I’ve added foam to each end of the bar to prevent it from ruining the trim of the door. For complete instructions and close-up pictures, refer to this past entry.
5. Doorway Handles
Homemade doorway handles are also convenient if you have a strong enough door. These handles have been featured on this blog a few times before. Refer to this past entry for instructions, additional information, and a related Q and A.
6. Anything That Supports Your Weight
Lastly, I can be seen performing pull-ups from the edge of a deck. This is where creativity comes into play. Pull-ups can be performed from almost any overhead object that can safely handle your bodyweight. Have a look around your residence and see what you can find.
Final Thoughts
In summary, if your gym has been closed due to COVID-19, pull-ups are one of the best bodyweight exercises that you can perform to maintain and improve strength. I hope this entry helps to get the creative juices flowing so you can devise or find your own home-based pull-up station.
If you have any further questions about any of the pull-up options seen above, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email.
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“It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you use that makes a difference.” – Zig Ziglar
Doing pull ups with the doorway handles from a long time ago when I don’t want to workout outdoor, or I’m simply – lazy. Puling is not a fancy thing, the only thing you have to do is find opportunities and be aware while doing it.
It’s simply not that difficult, but what most people do is to over-complicate things, seeking for fancy resistance bands and home equipment as well.
But I’m pretty sure that everyone around us has so many options that are underlooked. Just we have to be aware and adapt. That’s all.
Thanks, Ross. Another GEM article of yours!
An alternative is grab a bath towel and throw it over anything that will support your weight and do Australian Pull Ups.