Since hitting the road fulltime in our RV last fall, I’ve managed to keep working out. However, it’s been hard to consistently find a place to do pull ups and over time I “lost” them.  But now I’m prepared to “find” them again with my new free standing portable pull up bar from Trapeze Rigging.

A workout doesn’t feel complete without pullups. I love my kettlebells but if there is one thing kettlebells lack, it’s getting a heavy pull. I’ve tried to get by with row variations and my suspension trainer but there is nothing quite like being able to pull your bodyweight.

The last few months, I’ve been on the lookout for playgrounds but not every campground has a playground and not every playground has a suitable place for pullups. A doorway pullup bar wasn’t an option because we don’t have a suitable door frame and not to mention the damage that door frame pullup bars can cause.

A few weeks ago, I received a  free standing portable pull up bar from Trapeze Rigging. It’s a pullup bar/dip station from a company who makes custom circus equipment. How cool is that!

Trapeze Rigging was started by Trevor Boswell. Trevor spent 30 years traveling the world as a catcher on the flying trapeze! If there is anyone who understands the importance of a strong and safe pullup bar, it will be Trevor.

I’ve been using my portable pull up bar regularly and I love it. Really, truly, love it.

It’s perfect for home gyms, P90X users, in-home personal trainers who bring their own equipment, and travelers like me!

Not only is the  free standing portable pull up bar sturdy, it’s also light (made of high quality aluminum) and easy to assemble.  Here’s the proof.

Easy and Fast Assembly of the Free Standing Portable Pullup Bar

Less than a minute to assemble it even for a mechananically challenged girl like myself. It’s even quicker to disassemble.

Other reasons I love my portable pull up bar.

Not only can you do pullups but the bar can easily be configured for inverted rows or dips by leaving out the top pipe.

Height adjustments can be made in a combination of ways. You can move the pins up and down.

And/or you can position the pull up bar (the horizontal cross bar) over the side pipes with the bar on the bottom.

Or you can flip over the pull up bar for more height.

It’s made in the USA.

The handles allow for a variety of grips.

It’s sturdy. While there is some slight movement of the bar during motion, it feels very solid. Brent was spotting me during this picture. While it’s awesome for pull ups, dips, rows, and hanging ab exercises, it’s not made for wannabe gymnasts.

I also love that some of my fitness heroes use it.  Check out  Mark Sisson using his portable pull up bar  and Steve Maxwell using it in his backyard.

There is also a custom fit carrying bag for easy transport.

Lastly, Nico says it makes a comfy pug bed.

You can’t put a price on the feeling that comes with being able to do a pull up. This first time I did an unassisted pull up I was ecstatic. For most women, being able to perform a dead hang pull up is a big milestone. There is nothing like it and I can’t wait to get my pull up back.

So the next few months, I’m taking on The Pull Up Project. I’m going to be setting up my new free standing portable pull up bar at every campsite with the goal of being able to once again do unassisted pull ups by the end of the year.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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Journey with our family on the road at New School Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

Disclosure: I was provided the free standing portable pull up bar for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own

The post The Pull Up Project and a Free Standing Portable Pullup Bar Review appeared first on Girl Heroes.

For months, I have been working on that goal using exercise bands for assistance. Last week, some online friends were talking about how many pull-ups they could do or would like to do. I said I’d love to do just one but I was still a long way off.

Later that morning, I was at the gym putting my bands on the pull-up bar when I thought to myself, “What the heck I might as well try them without the bands.” What’s the worst that could happen? I’d look like a lizard caught by the tail as I try to wiggle myself up? I stood on the box and grabbed the bar. I took a little jump ready to flail myself up when surprise my chin was above the bar with much less effort than expected. I did two more before freezing halfway up. But I had jumped into them. I decided to would try again from a hanging position. Up. Up. Two more. I rested and did two more for a total of 7, if you count the jump start ones. I couldn’t believe it. I was ecstatic. I started texting my friends. I felt like She-Ra Princess of Power.

I have been thinking about this for a week. I was sure I couldn’t do one pull-up by myself and I could, more than one. It makes me wonder how much potential we all have buried under self-doubt or fear.  We are all capable of so much more than we think we are, if we would only try. What are some things you would like to do? Have you been putting something important to you off because you think you can’t?  Do you have an idea or a goal that feel impossible?  Give it a try and you really might surprise yourself.  What’s the worse thing that can happen?  You might fail. In most cases, you can respond with a “so what” and try again later after some more planning or practice or you might decide you want move onto something else.  Just don’t stop and stagnate in fear or self-doubt. Our Creator is much bigger than we can imagine and He gave us a lifetime to explore and tap into the potential He put in each of us.

Hugs and High Fives,
jenn

The post You’re a well of potential. appeared first on Girl Heroes.