When it comes to building the ultimate home gym, the power rack is undoubtedly the centrepiece. But what really ties your rack together and takes your training to the next level? A pull-up bar, of course!
Adding a pull-up bar isn’t just an option...it’s practically essential. Not only does it allow you to crush your pull-ups, but it also adds stability and versatility to your setup.
In this guide, let's go through all the different pull-up bar options you can get for your Bells of Steel Hydra and Manticore power rack. Let’s dive in and find the pull-up bar that fits your home gym and your workout style!
Why You Should Have a Pull-Up Bar on Your Rack
Technically optional, but practically essential — a pull-up bar transforms your rack into a full-blown workout station.
Pull-ups are one of the best bodyweight exercises for building upper-body strength. Plus, installing a pull-up bar helps tie the rack together for added stability. You can skip the back crossmember and use a bar instead, or combine both for a rock-solid setup.
The Classic Straight Pull Up Bar
The classic Straight Pull Up Bar is as basic as it gets — and that's the charm. It's budget-friendly, dependable, and perfect for straightforward pull-ups.
If you want a no-frills, effective pull-up bar that gets the job done, this classic option is a solid choice.
Fat/Skinny Pull Up Bar
The Fat/Skinny Pull Up Bar offers two primary grips: a regular skinny bar and a thicker fat grip bar. Fat grip training is fantastic for building grip strength and forearm muscles, which are often overlooked but essential for overall pulling power.
One cool feature of this bar is that it can be rotated and mounted onto the uprights instead of just the crossmembers. If you’re skipping the back cross piece and want a pull-up bar that also adds structural support, this double bar option is a smart pick.
Adjustable Pull-Up Bar
The Adjustable Pull-up Bar Rack Attachment is especially popular for folding racks. Because folding racks collapse for storage, you need a pull-up bar that’s easy to take on and off. This bar fits the bill perfectly.
Some people use the adjustable bar on regular four-post racks because it allows you to move the bar up and down to different heights. This is great if you’re training with someone taller or shorter than you, or if you want to do different exercises like rows at a lower height.
Just note: since it's not bolted in, it can wiggle a bit. Some lifters pair it with a fixed bar for the best of both worlds.
Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar
If you want more variety in your pull-up grips, the Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar is a great upgrade. It builds on the Fat/Skinny Pull Up Bar by adding multiple hand positions, including close grip, neutral grip, and wide grip options.
This means you can target different muscles and change up your routine without needing multiple bars. It’s perfect for those who want to train different angles and grips without adding clutter to their home gym.
The angled design on the Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar helps activate your lats more effectively, giving you better engagement and isolation of those muscles compared to a straight bar pull-up, which tends to involve more biceps and shoulders.
70" Pull Up Bar
For those with larger setups or multiple racks, the 70" Pull Up Bar is designed to connect two racks or stations, providing additional stability and support.
In cross-training gyms, you’ll often see multiple racks spaced about 70 inches apart to avoid collisions during exercises like squats or bench presses. This bar fills the “dead space” between racks, allowing someone to use the pull-up station while others train at the racks.
Because of its length, it keeps barbells from bumping into each other and maximizes your gym footprint.
Globe Pull Up Bar
Last but definitely not least is the Globe Pull Up Bar. This unique bar mounts onto a crossmember and can be installed on the front or sides of your rack, freeing up space at the front.
The Globe Pull Up Bar features spherical grips that are excellent for building grip strength and simulating the holds used in rock climbing. If you’re training for climbing or just want to enhance your grip strength in a fun and challenging way, this is the bar for you.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pull Up Bar for Your Home Gym
There’s a pull-up bar for every lifter and every rack:
- Straight Pull Up Bar – Classic and affordable
- Fat/Skinny Pull Up Bar – Dual grips for extra challenge
- Adjustable Pull-Up Bar – Ideal for folding or shared setups
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Multi-Grip Pull Up Bar – More variety, less clutter
- 70" Pull Up Bar – Connects two racks seamlessly
- Globe Pull Up Bar – Next-level grip training
Whether you’re going minimal or aiming for a feature-packed fortress of fitness, the right pull-up bar boosts your setup’s strength, versatility, and performance
Remember, a pull-up bar isn’t just an accessory; it’s a fundamental piece that enhances your workout variety, improves rack stability, and helps you build upper body strength. Choose the one that matches your training style and space, your perfect pull-up bar is waiting! 😉
