I highly recommend that every home should be equipped with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan pull up bar[/easyazon_link].

The pull-up bar will work your back muscles, your abs, your biceps; in fact, it will work every muscle in your body. It will also build muscle faster as you are working against the force of gravity.

The best exercises include the Flex Hang – where you hold your chin over the bar for at least a second.

The negative pull up is simply lowering yourself down from a head over bar position. The point is to do it slowly. Control builds strengths which prepares you for the classic pull up.

You can also try the dead hang. This is the starting point for anyone unable to complete a pull-up. All you have to do is grasp the bar and hang; it will build strength and allow you to get a feel for the bar.

It is worth being aware that the bar is 53 inches wide, has a bracket depth of 32 inches and a height of 31 inches. The Titan pull up bar weighs 35 pounds and must be mounted securely to prevent accidents occurring when in use.

Customer Reviews

The Titan pull up bar does very well in reviews:

• 5 stars from Wal-Mart customers.
• 5 stars from eBay users.
• 4 stars from Target customers.

Advantages Of Titan Pull Up Bar

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There are a number of advantages to using the Titan Pull Up Bar:

• Adjustable
• Versatile
• High Capacity
• Easy To Install
• Warranty
• Affordable

Disadvantages of Titan Pull Up Bar

Of course, no Titan pull up bar review would be complete without pointing out the disadvantages of this piece of equipment:

• Visibility
• Lack Of Padding
• Distance From Door

Let’s take a closer look at these advantages and disadvantages:

Adjustable

This is a wall-mounted pull-up bar. You can only use it if it’s attached securely to your wall. This allows you to set the right height for your needs when you install it.

You can also adjust the width of the bar for installation. This will allow you to secure it to your wall studs; whether they are 16 inches, 32 inches, or even 52 inches!

It is designed to be fastened to either your wall studs or directly into a concrete or brick wall. Once secured it won’t fall off easily!

Versatile

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B07PMG9GJG” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan pull up bar[/easyazon_link] can actually be mounted both horizontally and vertically. This may seem like a strange feature but there is a whole range of exercises that can be performed when the bar is horizontal.

These will increase your strength and flexibility as they challenge your body into new positions.

The horizontal pull up refers to the position your body is in; as you can imagine this is not a position for beginners. You’ll need a great deal of core strength to hold your body steady as you lift your head over the bar.

Horizontal pull-ups will really build your core strength.

The fact that most pull up bars do not offer this option highlights how good the Titan pull up bar is.

High Capacity

The last thing you want when doing a pull up is for the bar to come crashing down on you. There are already hundreds of videos showing this happening to others.

But the Titan is not a door-mounted system. It is securely anchored and designed to handle 500 pounds. That should be enough for anyone to hang from without causing it to break. Part of the secret of its strength is because it has the triangular supports.

The high weight capacity is not just because this pull up bar is attached to your wall. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]The Titan[/easyazon_link] is made from steel making it very durable and stable. You won’t need to focus on how the bar feels or whether it is about to fall down.

You can put all your energy into getting the pull up right.

Easy To Install

You may think that it is a disadvantage to have to install your Titan pull up bar onto your wall. But, even doorway pull up bars need some installation.

In fact, the Titan is very easy to install. You just need to pick your desired height and decide if the wall is dry lined or brick.

Brick can be drilled into. Raw plugs can then be added and the pull-up bar screwed into place. If your wall is dry lined then you’ll need to find the studs before you can screw the pull-up bar into place.

Once you’ve set the height and found the studs you can screw the 31 inch high brackets into position.

Warranty

Titan has a lot of confidence in its pull up bar. This is evident by the comprehensive warranty which is supplied with it.

You’ll be given the standard 1 year against defects in materials or workmanship. But, even after that time Titan will still repair, replace parts or even exchange the item if it appears to have failed but only been subject to normal wear and tear.

It might not be a lifetime warranty but it is a fairly comprehensive one and should give you some peace of mind when you read the Titan pull up bar review and decide to purchase the bar.

Affordable

The problem with workout equipment at home is that it becomes expensive to purchase all the different items you may need.

Pull up bars can vary greatly in price with some costing over $100 or even $150. The Titan, despite its strength and solid build, can be purchased for less than $100. You’ll struggle to beat this price when looking for a pull-up bar that is strong and effective.

This makes it affordable and desirable.  In fact, considering the number of muscles it can work out you should consider this as your first and most important item for your home gym.

Visibility

It is worth noting that the Titan protrudes 32 inches from the wall and the bar is 53 inches wide. Securing it to the wall ensures it cannot be easily pulled down or break while exercising.

However, this also means that the Titan pull up bar is very visible. Unless you have it in your own home gym it is going to be difficult to make it feel like part of the natural décor of your home.

This could be an issue; especially if you are used to sharing your home. It is not something that you want to take off and put on the wall at regular intervals.

Lack Of Padding

One complaint that seems to be common amongst users is the lack of padding on the bar. This can make it very difficult to maintain your grip for the duration of your workout.

Some users have opted for athletic tape to make the bar more comfortable. While this is a good idea it should not be essential when fitting and using a new pull up bar.

This is especially an issue as the bar is designed to be mounted for long term use; it is highly likely that you will struggle to maintain your grip when you first start using it.

Distance From Wall

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan[/easyazon_link] sits 31 inches away from the wall. You can adjust this by adding wood blocks before you mount it. However, once it is in the position it is not possible to adjust the height of the bar. This makes it difficult for you and your partner to use if you are very different heights.

A simple adjuster would make the pull-up bar more flexible and infinitely more useful to men and women.

It is also worth noting that extra brackets can be purchased separately. These are not included in the original purchase. These would allow you to create a secondary set up at a different level for another person. But, you would need to use the bar from your original purchase.

Unfortunately, this would discourage using the pull-up bar and still not enable you both to work out at the same time.

Packaging

Several users have noted the issues with packaging.

Firstly it appears the pull-up bar is sent out whole and therefore arrives in a box as big as a refrigerator! This is disconcerting!

More importantly, there have been a number of users who have commented on how poor the packaging is. The product frequently arrives exposed through the box. This increases the likelihood of it being damaged.

A damaged pull-up bar is no use; you’ll be waiting longer to get it replaced.

How To Install A tital Pull Up Bar

The Titan Pull Up Bar Review Summary

There are a great many benefits to fitting a pull-up bar in your home. You and most of the rest of your family will want to try it.

Thanks to the solid construction, attractive price, and the excellent reputation of [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan products[/easyazon_link] this can be considered to be one of the best pull up bars currently available.

While it is not easily taken down when not in use; providing it is not in a regular passageway then it can be a valuable and barely noticed addition to your home. I’ve been using mine religiously and strongly recommend you start doing the same.

With the decision of home gym vs commercial gym having many factors to it, some people will prefer the use of home gym equipment more than others. Today we’re going to take a look at what’s available for those preferring a home gym, as we break down the best home gym equipment. We will be giving our recommendations for specific categories and some recommendations between multiple choices, alongside an opinion on some big selling, specific products.

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Best Home Gym Equipment

Smith Machines vs Free Weights

Often newcomers to the world of exercise are unsure on the pro’s and con’s of different pieces of equipment. Because of this variety of drawbacks and benefits on either side, the recommendation is affected by your individual needs and preferences. With that said, generally we would recommend free weights over smith machines.

The reason we recommend free weights is because they recruit more muscles to stabilize the weight. Free weights will also strengthen your ligaments and tendons as they are put under more pressure to keep everything in the correct position. Free weights are simple and cheap to get started with too. For example, a set of [easyazon_link identifier=”B019EFG8M0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan dumbbells[/easyazon_link] could be a cheap and efficient way to get started with free-weights.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B019EFG8M0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZNKcXv2ML.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

With that said, there are times when a smith machine could be better for you. This would be to correct a weakness or as a part of physiotherapy. They could also help you to push through a plateau and continue your progression. In these cases something like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E1P15KO” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2 smith machine[/easyazon_link] would be ideal.

Click here for our complete breakdown of smith machines vs free weights.

Titan Pull-Up Bar – Should You Buy One?

Pull-ups are one of the toughest bodyweight exercises to pull off, with a lot of people struggling to do even one. It’s a great display of overall fitness and strength to weight ratio to pull these off. They’re also a great exercise to continue your development, regardless of current fitness levels. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]The Titan pull-up bar[/easyazon_link] has been a popular choice when it comes to home pull-up bars since its release.

Overall we would recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Titan Pull-Up Bar [/easyazon_link] as a great addition to any home gym. It adds a versatile piece of equipment that can really boost your development. Likewise, it’s reliable and hard-wearing, plus it’s adjustable even though the bar is made to be placed on permanent brackets.

Click here for our full Titan Pull-Up Bar review.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00HF8U37U” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41yTyAvCTVL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Best Titan Dumbbells

A respected brand when it comes to dumbbells and home gym equipment in general, Titan Fitness are known for their reliability and versatility. You can buy the [easyazon_link identifier=”B079S3P278″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]dumbbell bars[/easyazon_link] and add whatever [easyazon_link identifier=”B01IRVKC0Q” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]weight plates[/easyazon_link] you desire, or you can buy the fully [easyazon_link identifier=”B019EFG8M0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]adjustable Titan dumbbell.[/easyazon_link]

There are also some extremely nice [easyazon_link identifier=”B0106UO20W” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]hexagonal rubber coated dumbbells,[/easyazon_link] very sturdy and nice to use though these aren’t recommended for home users because it’s expensive to stock an entire gym with these – and the point of training is usually to get stronger, so you’re going to end up buying quite a few sets. Likewise there is a lightweight [easyazon_link identifier=”B07BYVSG3Z” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]neoprene set available.[/easyazon_link]

Click here for our complete breakdown of the best Titan fitness dumbbells.

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Best Fitness Gear Dumbbells

A popular alternative to Titan Fitness for dumbbells are Fitness Gear. If you’re the type of home gym user who loves free weights, and in particular dumbbells, then you’re certain to find something to your liking between Titan and Fitness Gear.

In the case of Fitness gear you can’t buy adjustable dumbbells. You have three options to choose from, with only the first two providing heavier weights. Fitness Gear provide really high quality preset, cast dumbbells. These are available as  [easyazon_link identifier=”B079D896PW” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]rubber coated[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B078R4VH8N” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]full cast iron[/easyazon_link] versions, with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B078R2TB8P” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]full cast iron dumbbell[/easyazon_link] being highly noted for reliability. The rubber coated dumbbells are better for people who have concerns about exposed iron weights causing damage.

There are also [easyazon_link identifier=”B0799D71LH” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]neoprene dumbbells[/easyazon_link] available from this brand, though these are at lighter weights only.

Click here for our complete analysis of Fitness Gear Dumbbells.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”327″ identifier=”B079D896PW” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41U99cm%2B7FL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Best Exercise Equipment for a Bad Back

Back pain is becoming a major issue due to modern lifestyle habits, such as sitting for extended time periods. We have taken a close look at multiple pieces of equipment, and given our top recommendations by type of equipment. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, with our overall recommendation going to the top eliptical trainer – the[easyazon_link identifier=”B01KAGX6XQ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430.[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D4LEEY0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Schwinn 430 Eliptical Trainer[/easyazon_link] is a sturdy, dependable piece of equipment which gives a high level of comfort for less mobile users. That means you can use it regularly without aggravating an injury, and even as a part of the recovery process. It has multiple resistance levels to work through allowing plenty of development and gives a decent all-over workout, with a focus on that all-important cardiovascular fitness.

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Best Body Solid Home Gym Equipment

Body Solid have had a great year so far with their Home Gyms. They provide a whole range of choices, with differing levels of equipment and capabilities offered. Our overall top pick went to the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S home gym.[/easyazon_link]

Having been around for years you know that you can always rely on Body Solid to provide durable equipment, and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S[/easyazon_link] is exactly that. With a reasonable cost and a wide variety of stations/functions, this home gym gives a great return for a low investment. Coupling it with a good power rack or smith machine and some free weights would give you absolutely loads of versatility and function.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sadCHiqaL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Click here to check out our full breakdown of Body Solid Home Gyms.

Best Body Solid Power Weight Rack

Again a big seller throughout the year, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HAVB0DI” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid power rack[/easyazon_link] is all about letting you do big lifts, safely, and in the comfort of your own home. With the rack being likely to last for years and capable of handling pretty much anything you throw at it, we gave it a thumbs up for home gym users everywhere.

It incorporates great safety features with a high weight limit, and is incredibly easy to use. As a bonus this weight rack doesn’t really need much maintenance. The power rack offers a lot of similar advantages to the smith machine whilst having a little more flexibility in range of movement. This can be a pro or a con depending on your needs, though on the whole we’d recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01ETJVCO0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid power rack[/easyazon_link] for most users.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B01ETJVCO0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516dzy48nLL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Click here to read our complete Body Solid Power Weight Rack review.

Best Smith Machine for Home Gyms

You might recall that we previously recommended free weights over smith machines for most uses. That doesn’t mean a smith machine doesn’t have its’ own advantages. They are a great way to push forward at heavier weights while staying safe. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E1P15KO” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Inspire Fitness FT2 smith machine[/easyazon_link] was our standout in this article where we break down the benefits and drawbacks of all the top smith machines on the market right now.

Our top picks are analyzed and broken down into top choices by budget, so there’s an option for everyone. Remember that a smith machine alone could neglect smaller muscle groups so while they do have advantages, use them as part of a balanced workout routine.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”450″ identifier=”B00E1P15KO” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51WrFb9u-cL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”450″]View on Amazon

Click here for our full breakdown of the best smith machines for your home.

Marcy SM 4008 Smith Machine

A popular brand for home gym equipment is Marcy. Generally they produce solid products but with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy SM 4008 smith machine[/easyazon_link] they have missed the mark. It is an ambitious unit which comes with a lot of add-ons to boost what you can do. There’s actually so many add-ons that it’s almost a complete home gym of its own. It has good safety mechanisms and a solid frame which holds up well.

Our recommendation was to avoid this unit due to there being a number of smaller plastic parts which break easily and a weak pulley system. Likewise this one is known to be complex and time-consuming to put together. It’s a sizeable time and cash investment for a piece of equipment that could break in months. Our alternative to this smith machine? The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym[/easyazon_link], plenty of safety and options with much more reliability.

[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51l6z7OUdML.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]View on Amazon

Click here to read our full review of the Marcy SM 4008 Smith machine.

Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine

Another popular choice so far this year is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MQF4UWT” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine[/easyazon_link]. This smith machine is selling based on the popular and well-known brand of Golds Gym. The problem is that the product doesn’t match the reputation. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MQF4UWT” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine[/easyazon_link] has a number of weak, plastic parts and again is a smith machine with many add-ons at the expense of reliability and function.

The gym could work for beginners who are able to get by with lighter weights. Using heavier loads can feel unstable on this unit, so heavier lifters should look to alternatives like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00332ARK0″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym[/easyazon_link]. If you’re a beginner looking to get introduced and don’t mind the expense of a unit like this which may only be useful for a year or two, by all means go ahead and indulge yourself.

Click here to read our full review of the Golds Gym Platinum Smith Machine.

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Marcy MP1300 Smith Machine

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy MP1300 smith machine[/easyazon_link] does a good job of living up to its’ brand name. With that said, it’s still only recommended for beginners or intermediate users. Beyond a certain load, the unit begins to become unstable. The max load is generally around 300 lbs. This isn’t a bad limit though it is low for more advanced lifters.

This model can also suffer from some balance problems which may require a bit of anchoring work on your part. If you are intending to lift heavier we recommend a more stable, high-end unit such as the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001NXQFB6″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Body Solid Series 7[/easyazon_link]  or the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041NM0ZU” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Marcy Diamond Elite[/easyazon_link].

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B001NXQFB6″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51YpN3c4nbL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”500″]

Click here to read our full review of the Marcy MP1300 smith machine.