I'm wanting to build a pull-up bar in my backyard. Any ideas on how?
The way the military makes them. Two 12 foot pressure treated 4×4's, a steel pipe, two 4 inch pieces of 2×4, and a bag of cement.
Dig two post holes 2-4 feet deep, depending on where you live, and have them at least 4 feet apart. Set your 4×4's in, mix the cement, pour it in making sure the beams are level on all sides.
Get a drill bit that matches the pipe diameter and drill a whole through each 4×4. Slide in the pipe. Don't fix the pipe in place. It is better that is spins, makes it harder, plus you can remove the pipe if you ever need to. Take the 2 pieces of 2×4 and nail them on the inside of the 4×4 as stepping points to reach the bar. You want to be able to hang fully extended without touching the ground.
This pull up bar will be extremely sturdy, and will last forever. Not to mention costing you about $30 and an hour of building time.
6 Answers
If you have a deck, you can bolt one to it. An alternative would be some metal piping and fittings from a hardware store to make a cheap and sturdy one.
The way the military makes them. Two 12 foot pressure treated 4×4's, a steel pipe, two 4 inch pieces of 2×4, and a bag of cement.
Dig two post holes 2-4 feet deep, depending on where you live, and have them at least 4 feet apart. Set your 4×4's in, mix the cement, pour it in making sure the beams are level on all sides.
Get a drill bit that matches the pipe diameter and drill a whole through each 4×4. Slide in the pipe. Don't fix the pipe in place. It is better that is spins, makes it harder, plus you can remove the pipe if you ever need to. Take the 2 pieces of 2×4 and nail them on the inside of the 4×4 as stepping points to reach the bar. You want to be able to hang fully extended without touching the ground.
This pull up bar will be extremely sturdy, and will last forever. Not to mention costing you about $30 and an hour of building time.
In addition to Adam's answer (4×4s and a pole) consider adding a pair of plastic rings (www.ringtraining.com has a great set).
These can add any number of additional exercises, including pull-ups, inversions and much more. The added difficulty with rings is in body balance. Try putting a box under your feet, putting you just beyond parallel with the ground, grab the rings and do a pushup, then you'll know what I mean!
Add a pair of rings and you have a veritable backyard gym.
www.crossfitcleveland.com could give you some ideas.
In addition to Adam's answer (4×4s and a pole) consider adding a pair of plastic rings (www.ringtraining.com has a great set).
These can add any number of additional exercises, including pull-ups, inversions and much more. The added difficulty with rings is in body balance. Try putting a box under your feet, putting you just beyond parallel with the ground, grab the rings and do a pushup, then you'll know what I mean!
Add a pair of rings and you have a veritable backyard gym.
www.crossfitcleveland.com could give you some ideas.
These answers were great for me too. I was about to buy a heavy bag stand at Sports Authority for 130$; it wouldnt have been sturdy in my back yard anyway. now i can just build and dig up this bad boy!!
Mikenastics has a pull up bar that he uses for his routine in the back yard