How to Make a Sit-Up Bar

Sit-ups and crunches are intended to strengthen your abdominal muscles. In order to perform this exercise and its variations, you are required to lay on your back with your knees bent. The challenge in the position is keeping your bottom half firmly planted while you contract your abdominal muscles. Several products exist that sit between your legs or under your knees, helping you isolate your abdominal muscles; however, you can use existing equipment to create a sit-up bar and save money.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/8-inch spring links
  • 8-foot general-purpose chain
  • Free swinging door
  • 2 door stops
  • Straight curl bar
  • Bar pad
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach one spring link to both ends of the general-purpose chain.

    • 2

      Choose a doorway in your home to mount the sit-up bar to. Choose a door that provides space for you to lie in front of the door jam when the door is open. Place a door stop on either side of the door to hold it in your workout position.

    • 3

      Hold the center of the chain outstretched just in front of the door jamb, where the knob mechanism juts out. Next, pull the chain slack over the top of both doorknobs, away from your body, and then thread the chain under the door knobs, back toward your body, creating a secure attachment. Pull on both ends of the chain to test that it is locked onto the doorknobs correctly.

    • 4

      Put the bar pad over the center of the straight bar.

    • 5

      Place the spring links that are attached to the chain on either side of the bar pad.

    • 6

      Sit on your bottom and then place your legs into the space between the chains. Next wedge the bar under your knees and get into sit-up position to begin your reps.