Workouts are hard but they become doubly hard when they get to be boring.
Heading to the gym every day or getting your workout equipment out at home becomes a drag when you can’t do what you want to each time.
Change up your workout routine with a pull-up mate alternative!
These alternatives are a great choice for anyone looking to spruce up their workout and still get shredded. You’ll be able to work out at home or the office without breaking the bank or getting bored.
Why Consider an Alternative to the Pull-Up Mate?
Adding a pull-up bar to your home gym is a great way to build muscle without heading out into the cold!
But instead of shelling out lots of money for the Pull-Up Mate, you can always consider a quality alternative that will give you great benefits without the huge price tag.
Pull-up bars have become one of the hottest home gym items of the past few years. They’re easy to keep out of the way and are flexible when it comes to creating a workout routine.
With the onset of the pandemic, community gyms have closed down leaving workout enthusiasts without a home base. Instead, building up your home gym allows you to keep working out without risking your health.
Choosing an alternative to the Pull-Up Mate means you’ll be looking for a few key considerations.
You want to be sure that your next pull-up bar gives you the sturdiness and benefits that the standard Pull-Up Mate will.
You also want to be sure that it will fit your home.
Doorways and other places you might install a home gym pull-up bar can be a wide variety of sizes. Ensure that your alternative pull-up bar is either adjustable or will fit comfortably where you intend to install it.
What is Pull-Up Mate?
Pull-Up Mate is a pull-up station, compact dip station, and a full-height pull-up bar.
This brand name pull-up station is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to assemble making it one of the top choices for a home gym setup.
Pull-up Mate and pull-up stations and bars like it work with your body weight to help build muscle.
Instead of picking up some dumbbells, you’re able to use the resistance created by your own body to build strength and grow in your workout routine.
Types of Pull-Up Bars and Stations
Whatever type of exercise or workout station you can imagine, there’s one on the market that will fit your design.
If you want something stand-alone, you can buy anything from a cheap station to a piece of expensive smart home equipment. Maybe you just want an in-door pull-up bar, the market is filled with bars that will fit your design in no time.
There are two typical types of pull-up bars and stations.
The first is a whole workout station that typically stands alone.
These are similar to the equipment you might find in a community gym and will allow for several different workouts.
The second type of pull-up bars is installed within the door frame or on the wall at your home gym.
These require a sturdy wall or doorway for attachment and can be removed easily if you need to move them or utilize the structure for something else.
Best Pull-Up Mate Alternatives
While Pull-Up Mate is a great option for full home gyms, some alternatives won’t break the bank or fit better in a smaller home gym area.
Whether you want to squeeze in a quick workout at home while your local gym is closed or if you’re in the process of building a full home gym, adding a Pull-Up Mate alternative is a great way to get work done.
We’ll go through some of the top Pull-Up Mate alternatives so you can exercise and work through your training without risking your local gym.
The flexibility for workouts, playlists, and fun are endless with a well-rounded home gym!
#1- GoBeast Pull-Up Bar
Not everyone can build a massive home gym like the ones on TV.
Sometimes your home gym will have to be stuck in a corner of the basement next to the washer and dryer and having equipment that’s easy to put away or portable is crucial.
This GoBeast Pull-Up bar is very portable which makes it a great option for anyone working within a smaller workout space.
It’s simple to assemble to take apart so you can set it up and take it down when you need the extra space.
Compared to the Pull-Up Mate, this is also a more affordable option and you can complete more than 35 exercises on the equipment.
As it is more portable and easy to take apart, some weight restrictions may limit certain users. It offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to different exercises but there is no dip bar included which is a common feature on many pull-up bar stations.
Pros:
- More affordable option
- Portable design
- Used for over 35 exercises
Cons:
- No dip bar included
- Weight limits can limit the usage
User Reviews:
#2 – Gravity Fitness Portable Bodyweight Mate & Pull-Up Rack
Portability and quality design mean you’ll have a good workout planned and this Gravity Fitness pull-up bar fits the bill!
With a portable design and sturdy build, you’re able to get a high-quality grip on the bar and complete your home workout in no time.
Included with this pull-up bar and station is a set of built-in dip bars that have a 60 cm distance between each other. The entire rack weighs 19 kg and offers total support of up to 110 kg.
The entire station collapses in just a few minutes and comes with a carry bag so you can easily tuck this station away or take it with you on your next trip.
While the frame and station come down in just a few minutes, the metal frame isn’t nearly as durable as other competitors.
It also doesn’t support anyone who weighs more than 110 kg which is on the low side for pull-up racks and stations.
Suitable for a full range of exercises including Pull Up, Dips, leg raises, incline press ups, front and back levers.
Pros:
- Very similar in structure to the Pull-Up Mate
- Multipurpose design for any number of exercises
- Comes with a carrying bag for mobility
- Lightweight structure
Cons:
- Not the most durable frame for the size
- Doesn’t support as much weight as other competitors
User Reviews:
#3 – Ultimate Body Press XL Doorway Pull-Up Bar
If you’re a workout fiend, you want a system that you can take with you even if you’re heading out for a work trip or vacation.
This pull-up bar is one of the most portables on the market and will keep you on track with your workouts without weighing down your suitcase!
Instead of being a stand-alone frame where you can do multiple workouts, this is strictly a pull-up bar and mounts to your doorframe. Installing it is quick and easy and you can take it down without much fuss.
As it’s a much smaller size than others on our list, it can be quickly packed up in a bag and you can take it with you or even set it up in your office doorway for a workout over lunch!
Since it’s installed in a doorframe, there are a few different doorframes that won’t support this pull-up bar. The bar itself adjusts so it can accommodate quite a few door sizes and quirks but be sure to measure accurately before buying or ordering this bar.
Pros:
- Designed to travel with you and be very portable
- Can be adjusted to users preferences and the doorframe for installation
- ABS structure can support heavier weights up to the 300-pound weight limit
Cons:
- Some doorframes will not support the overall structure of this bar
User Reviews:
#4 – Kit4Fit Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
When buying home gym equipment, you want something functional and allows you to use it for multiple exercises.
This wall-mounted pull-up bar is a great way to expand your home gym without taking up precious floor space!
With a tower design, this wall-mounted pull-up bar allows you to do over 50 different exercises with great durability and enhanced grip.
You’ll also be able to keep your floor space open and your equipment out of the way of anyone else in your house.
Unfortunately, mounting this system to the wall may free up your floor space but you sacrifice the portability of the whole system. If you want to bring your gym equipment along with you on a trip or vacation, you’d need to improvise or buy something in addition to this system.
Pros:
- Very high weight support up to 550 pounds
- Multi-grip set up for enhanced stability
- Tower setup allows for a wide range of exercises
- Highly durable metal frame design and will last a long time
- Can be used for push-ups, knee raises, leg raises, dips, and sit-ups
Cons:
- Overall tower weight is much higher than portable alternatives
- Mounted to the wall which makes it hard to travel with
User Reviews:
#5 – Mancru Power Tower
Building and creating your home gym is a delicate dance between functionality and practicality. You can expand your gym quickly by choosing equipment like the Mancru Power Tower that combines two exercises into one tower!
You’re able to use this tower as a pull-up bar or dip station with ease and adjust it to six different height options. The entire tower stands on two metal bars with four non-slip feet attached to keep the entire thing in place. All of the dip bars and pull-up bars have rubberized coatings to help keep your grip during workouts.
If you’re seriously focused on your dips and pull-ups, this station works great but in terms of other exercises it can accommodate, the range is limited. The height adjustment can be limiting as well as the range is just under 15 inches. If you’re taller or bigger this might be a hard tower to work out on.
Pros:
- Enhanced stability from specially designed feet
- Height can be adjusted
- Doubles as a dips station
- Soft and comfortable grips with non-slip design
Cons:
- Height adjustment can be limiting
- Limitations in terms of exercises that can be performed
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you head out to buy any gym equipment, it’s a good idea to get some basic information!
We’ve answered some of the most basic questions when it comes to buying pull-up bars for your home gym equipment set.
Can You do Muscle-Ups on a Pull-Up Mate?
Muscle-ups are an advanced calisthenics exercise that transitions from a radial pull-up into a dip.
While most pull-up stations like the Pull-Up Mate are very sturdy, the Pull-Up Mate manufacturer does not recommend that you do muscle-ups on the station.
It’s not quite as sturdy with the portable design and you can get hurt trying to do them on the Pull-Up Mate.
Is the Pull-Up Mate Worth It?
Just like with any purchase for your home or personal gym, you want to consider your overall needs and budget before buying.
The Pull-Up Mate has a higher price tag than many other pull-up bars or stations. It also has limitations when it comes to exercises.
Be sure to compare your future workout plans with the limitations of the Pull-Up Mate before putting money down for the equipment.
What’s the Easiest Type of Pull-Up?
There are innumerable variations of exercises that you can try and incorporate into your workouts.
Some of the easiest pull-ups for beginners are hammer-ups and you can do just a few of these at a time as you gradually get stronger.
Chin-ups will work for just a few reps as well and if you need a little variation you can try Kipping pull-ups!
Can I Leave a Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar Outside?
This all depends on the type of material your pull-up bar is built with! Stainless steel will have a good level of resistance against rust and corrosion and will weather well while outside.
Plastic and some steel variations will weaken and possibly rust while outdoors. Also, any plastic or plastic-like grip pieces may weather quickly and deteriorate.
Can I Easily Transport a Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar?
As you’re researching different styles of a pull-up bar, check to see how they’re rated when it comes to overall weight and portability. Lighter models may have higher levels of portability but might not support higher weights when you’re working out.
Some models are specifically designed to be highly portable. Others will work best if they stay in one place. If you want a highly portable model, check out some that hook on the doorframe or ones that can expand to sit snugly in the doorway.
How Much Does a Free-Standing Pull-Up Bar Cost?
Overall pricing depends on the type of bar, the quality of the system, and any additional features that are provided. Cheaper options are typically the ones that mount to a door frame and come in under $100.
Freestanding systems will end up costing more but they also offer greater versatility when it comes to exercises you can do while utilizing the system. These freestanding systems will cost you more than $100 depending on the portability and features that the system includes.
Can I Use Free-Standing Pull-Up Bars for Dips and Roman Chair Exercises?
Some pull-up bar stations will include adjustable frames and different functions for lots of variable exercises. Before you purchase any station or pull-up bar, be sure to check all of the functions and features provided.
Compare these to your future workouts and how it will fit in with the rest of your home gym equipment before putting money down on an expensive set of equipment.
Some adjustable bar systems will include a rail to allow for performing dips or lifts but check that these are provided before purchasing.
Takeaway
There are so many variations and alternatives when it comes to home gym equipment but often we purchase our equipment based less on our needs and more on the biggest, brightest brand name we find.
By taking some time to peruse our list and find a quality alternative, you can save yourself money and still get all of the best functions and benefits from a Pull-Up Mate by choosing an alternative.
Choose your space, level of portability, and weight limit and match it up with the Pull-Up Mate alternatives.
There are different options for every home gym to help you get the best benefits from doing pull-ups right at home or the office!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.