Exercise Machine That Can Be Attached to a Door

At last. A fun, portable, accessible and affordable exercise machine is within your reach -- literally. A small, simple device that attaches to any ordinary doorknob can be your magic weapon in the battle of the bulge. The best exercise equipment available is the one you will use and a modest pulley gadget may be just what you were looking for to tone and firm your legs, arms, stomach and buttocks.

  1. Little Device, Long History

    • When it comes to portable and versatile, there may not be a more underappreciated exercise device than the kind that attaches to any ordinary doorknob. Doorknob exercise and pulley type contraptions have been available in some form or fashion since Jack La Lanne made them popular in the '50s. Over the years, they have been improved and perfected and may now just be the next affordable and effective exercise accessory to add to your workout wardrobe.

    Easy to Operate

    • Mechanically, they couldn’t be easier to install and operate. First, locate a convenient doorknob, then slip the single handle end over the doorknob. You are all set and ready to exercise. On the opposite end of the handle you attached to the doorknob are four handles you will use for your feet and hands. Your hands will operate the pulleys to lift your legs. There are many ways you can move those pulleys to work different parts of your body.

    Easy To Use

    • It takes a bit of coordination to get the feel of the pulleys and how they work. Within your first five minutes, you will easily see how moving a handle in your left hand can lift and lower the same side or opposing leg. To do a basic leg lift, put your left hand in the left handle and left foot into the other handle or stirrup. Now do the same on the right side.

    Experiment With Different Moves

    • Experiment with pulling your left hand down while lifting your left leg. Adjust the tension so you are using your abdominal muscles, quadriceps and glutes to do the work. Your arms are working in concert with your legs to operate the pulleys, but your legs and stomach should be doing the lifting. Once you are comfortable with that basic move, right arm with right leg, left arm with left leg, you are ready to move on.