How to Make a Pullup Bar With a 2x4

A pull-up is a useful body weight exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi muscles, which are more commonly known as the lats. It also indirectly targets several other muscles groups of the upper body. A pull-up is performed by hanging from a support beam and, with a pronated, or overhand grip, pulling yourself up so that your chin clears the support beam. A chin-up is a similar exercise performed with a suppinated, or underhand grip.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch by 4-inch board
  • 6 nails
  • Hammer
  • 2 support posts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the 2-inch by 4-inch (2x4) board up to the two support posts to which you will be nailing it. The support posts can be any two sturdy posts that are close enough together to accommodate the 2x4 and with flat, parallel surfaces to nail into.

    • 2

      Find the spot where the support posts and the 2x4 intersect and mark these places with a pencil.

    • 3

      Lay the board down on the ground or a flat surface and start two nails in both of the spots marked with the pencil. The nails should be going through the flat sides of the 2x4, such that when it is nailed to the support posts, the edges of the 2x4 will be up and down. The nails should be all the way or nearly all the way through the 2x4.

    • 4

      Hold the board with one hand at such a height that you will be able to just get your hands over the top of the 2x4. With the hammer in your other hand, finish nailing in first one nail and then the other. Put two more nails beside the first one on either side to further secure the 2x4 to the support posts.