Pull-Up Bar Buyer's Guide: The Best Bodyweight Back Exercise for £15

What Is a Pull-Up Bar?

A pull-up bar is a horizontal bar you grip to pull your bodyweight upward. It’s the foundation of upper body pulling — the counterpart to push-ups. Home pull-up bars come in three main styles: doorframe-mounted (no screws, uses leverage), wall-mounted (bolted to a wall or joist), and free-standing (a full tower structure).

Doorframe bars are the most popular because they require zero installation and can be removed in seconds. Wall-mounted bars are more permanent but also more sturdy and allow for wider grip positions.

Who Needs a Pull-Up Bar?

Everyone training at home. Pull-ups and chin-ups are the single most effective bodyweight exercises for your back and biceps. A pull-up bar also enables hanging leg raises (one of the best core exercises), dead hangs for grip strength, and spinal decompression after a long day at a desk.

If you can’t do a pull-up yet, you still need one. Use it for negatives (jumping up and lowering slowly), band-assisted reps, or simply hanging. You’ll get there.

What to Look For When Buying

Doorframe compatibility: Measure your doorframe width and depth before buying. Most bars fit frames 60-90cm wide with trim at least 1.5cm deep. No trim, no grip.

Weight capacity: Budget bars often max out at 100kg. If you weigh more or plan to add a dipping belt for weighted pull-ups, look for bars rated to 130kg+.

Grip options: A straight bar works, but multi-grip bars with parallel handles and wide/narrow positions let you hit different muscles and reduce wrist strain.

Padding: Foam grips are essential. Bare metal gets slippery and uncomfortable quickly.

Our Top Picks

1. Decathlon Doorframe Pull-Up Bar — £15-£20

The best entry point. Fits most standard UK doorframes, holds up to 100kg, and costs less than a takeaway. If you just want to start doing pull-ups, this is it.

2. Gravity Fitness Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar — £35-£50

A properly sturdy wall-mounted option with multiple grip positions. Requires drilling into brick or studs, but once it’s up, it feels like a commercial gym bar. Great for weighted pull-ups.

3. Mirafit Multi-Grip Doorframe Bar — £25-£40

A step up from basic doorframe bars with added parallel grip handles. Wider and more comfortable than budget options. Rated to 130kg.

Getting Started

If pull-ups are new to you, start with dead hangs (just hanging from the bar) for 20-30 seconds. Progress to negatives — jump to the top position and lower yourself as slowly as possible. Most people can achieve their first full pull-up within 4-8 weeks of consistent work.

Where to Buy

• Decathlon Pull-Up Bar — cheapest way in
• Gravity Fitness Wall-Mounted Bar — best wall-mount
• Mirafit Multi-Grip Bar on Amazon — best doorframe upgrade

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.