What is it about steel that makes it so strong? Is there a difference between steel and iron or are they one in the same? Are other metals just as strong or stronger? Is all steel created equally and how important is the fabrication process and/or the finish? Most importantly, does any of this really matter to us?

Encylopedia Britannica says that “iron is the most used and cheapest metal”. However iron is soft by nature, very reactive and can corrode. Iron by itself is not effective as a metal, so clearly is not the answer for the rugged pull up bars we are seeking for our home, garage or commercial gyms. While iron and steel are often used interchangeably, they are not one in the same; so much for “pumping iron”. Steel is an iron alloy and iron alloys are mixtures of iron with other elements. In the case of most common steel, iron is mixed with carbon which gives it its strength and durability.

Many of the wall- mounted pull up bars you see for home gyms, doorway types and other commercially available models may be made of steel, but that does not make them all equal. You want to look out for those that use lighter weight tube versus steel pipe. I have seen some pull up bars that are actually made of aluminum; ouch! Also, check out the fabrication. Are there a lot of bolts that hold the brackets, bars and other components together? Welded joints are ideal in a pull up bar, limiting the number of parts that show up in a bag for you to assemble and increase strength, durability and overall quality.

The finish too is also something to consider when shopping for a pull up bar. While the finish of the brackets tend to be purely aesthetic, the actual pull up bar surface will definitely effect performance. For the work surface, we believe in raw blackened steel. Painted, padded, textured surfaces or other finishes are all out there, but provide for unnatural conditions in our view. As far as the overall “look” of the equipment, we opt for the authentic and rugged approach here too; raw blackened steel.

So, while steel is certainly the material of choice, there are several factors that really do matter when searching for the perfect pull up bars. The functionality of the pull up bars are key no doubt, but let’s be honest, we want them to look cool too!

After all, this is a pull up bar, not a beauty contest. The slick, pretty bars out there have a place I suppose, we just haven’t figured out where.

For more information, check out Steelfit Strength Systems at www. steelfitstore. com

Wall Mounted Pull Up Bars are made that will fit most standard doorways. For most people, these are plenty sufficient, but make sure the bar you get will fit your doorframe and will hold your weight (or weight you’ll be wearing to increase your workout). Most bars are well built. They permit the user’s arms to move naturally, reducing strain on joints, and engages additional muscle groups as compared to the standard pullup bar. You can actually combine the standard pullup and chin-up exercises into one, and can facilitate additional workouts to core and abdominal muscle groups.

For most people, a standard pull-up is challenging enough without weights. To do a pull-up hold onto a bar with your palms facing away from you, about shoulder width apart, and and let your legs hang. Hold the handles, lift your legs to the handles and pull down while bringing your feet to the ground and trying to stand up.

There are a number of different kinds of pull up exercises; some of which, such as the standard pull ups would require one to use both hands and lift them up to the bar. Others are more complex, such as the weighted pull ups where one needs to strap some added weights on to their body while they continue on with the exercise. This thing is pretty good to get you started, but if you’re looking for a more solid solution, a permanent mount or a separate standing unit or rack would be better. Don’t get me wrong, a wall mounted pull up bar is good, but you need a solid door frame, and even then the thing might leave marks on the frames – but that’s easily paintable.

Chin-ups and pull-ups are the best functional biceps and upper-back workouts for novices. Pull-ups not only strengthen the back, they balance bench presses and guard against shoulder problems. The pull up bar allows you to do a full upper-body workout without leaving the room. I have a doorway mounted pull up bar, which works perfectly. With so many different training workouts available it can get confusing at times.

A chin up exercises your back and shoulders – a chin up workouts your shoulders. There are tons patterns of work out styles you can use the chin up bar for. Great workout equipment for hardly any money. I loved chinups on this bar. Just walking past it all the time and you just stop and do a few chinups just for fun. If you exercise at home and want to up the ante in your workout then you need to get one. It helps if you’re in pretty good shape, since pull ups are tough.