At home

Pull-up bar training

Build back and arm strength at home.

  • Hardintensity
  • ~350kcal per hour
  • Freebudget
  • Lowimpact
Pull-up bar training illustration

Is pull-up bar training right for you?

Build back and arm strength at home. It is a hard-intensity, low impact activity that you can do at home, on your own. Expect to burn around 350 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.

Easy to pick up. You can do it without spending anything.

Why try pull-up bar training

  • Builds strength. It works your muscles hard enough to make you stronger over time.
  • Kind to joints. Low impact makes it a good choice if running or jumping is uncomfortable.

How to start pull-up bar training

  1. Start with dead hangs and slow lowering from the top.

  2. Get the basics: door pull-up bar. Borrow or hire before you buy.

  3. Keep the first few sessions short and easy, and aim for two or three a week.

  4. Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.

A 4-week starter plan

WeekSessionsMinutes eachFocus
1215Learn the basics and keep every session easy.
2220Repeat last week and add a little time.
3325Add a session or make one a bit harder.
4330Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next.

This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.

Similar activities

Not sure pull-up bar training is for you?

Take the two-minute quiz and we will match you with activities that fit your goals, mood, budget and fitness.

Open the activity matcher