I built a monster!!! For about $100

[BigJohn141]

I am really trying to get into doing P90X and I am doing pretty good so far but I am HORRIBLE at pull ups and as many of you know, that is a big part of the workout. Truthfully I cant even do a single regular pull up as of yet but I am working on it. I am 6'5" and weigh about 265 pounds currently and I bought one of those door way pull up bars just to get things started but after a couple times using it I decided it just isnt going to cut it for my current needs. I needed something taller and something I felt a little more secure using but wouldnt break the bank like some of those stand alone bars. So I made a trip to the lumber yard today and came up with a good, yet rather large, solution. With materials totaling right at $100 I made my own stand alone bar that my big ass feels totally safe hanging from. The material sheet consists of this

3 4"x4"x8' posts
2 2"x4"x8' boards
4 6" L brackets
1 1"x60" galvanized pipe
2 1" floor plates
screws to secure it all
and a little athletic grip tape

A little cutting and screwing later I ended up with this monster. Its a good thing I live alone... (sorry for the messy room and crappy pic)

I can grab the bar on my toes and I have plenty of room to use a chair for now till I can get to regular pull ups. I just threw the bands around it to see if it is sturdy enough for pull downs and it is. I might replace the 60" bar with a 48" in the future to make it a little smaller, I havent decided yet.

 

[dlklamfo]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

You weren't kidding about building a monster!! I just started the Insanity workout today, its brutal. Best of luck and stick with it!!

 

[PatrickChewing]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

I can hear your lats growing!

 

[Former0302]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

That is awesome!

You've motivated me to build something similar. I'm thinking about adding in dip bars though.

 

[JJones75]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJohn141</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am really trying to get into doing P90X and I am doing pretty good so far but I am HORRIBLE at pull ups and as many of you know, that is a big part of the workout. Truthfully I cant even do a single regular pull up as of yet but I am working on it. I am 6'5" and weigh about 265 pounds

I can grab the bar on my toes and I have plenty of room to use a chair for now till I can get to regular pull ups. I just threw the bands around it to see if it is sturdy enough for pull downs and it is. I might replace the 60" bar with a 48" in the future to make it a little smaller, I havent decided yet.

</div></div>

At your height leave it that wide , invest in a set of good wrist wrap lifting straps , wrap them up tight with your hand spread as far as possible and just do static hangs for 1 min at a time AFTER you do your pullups , this will streatch the facia sourounding the muscle and let it swell and grow easier.
get a chair and put under and just behind you so you can bend your knees and put your toes on it , use your legs to assist you in pulling up your weight

 

[UKDslayer]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

Who cares what it looks like if it gets the job done! Good on 'ya for not using a "lack of equipment excuse"; I'm really impressed with your motivation!

 

[bobbyfairbanks]

Re: I built a monster!!! For about $100

Pull hard, repeat. You will get there