The bar mounts safely and firmly in standard doorways (32″ – 34″) using no screws, just leverage and gravity.

The patent-pending design elevates the top bar above the door frame when performing chin ups and pull ups and accommodates several hand positions at two elevations. When placed on the ground, the station can be used for sit ups, push ups and dips.

The construction and craftsmanship may be considered sub par when compared to more expensive doorway chin up bars. The foam on the grips is relatively thin and the machining of the screw holes is not of the highest quality. Still, this is a solid and uniquely designed chin up bar, especially recommended for tall users.

Doorway chin up bars are ideal for use with P90X and other popular DVD home workout programs.

The package includes a convenient exercise flip chart.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find the GoFit Elevated Chin Up Station on Amazon
• Compare to all bestselling Doorway Chin Up Bars

The multi-function Pro Fit Iron Gym fits conveniently in most doorway frames and includes three grip positions (narrow, neutral, and wide) for pullups and chinups. It can also be placed on the floor for pushups, tricep dips, crunches and sit-ups.

The durable steel construction fits most standard door frames between 24 to 32 inches wide and supports users up to 300 pounds. The bar does not require drilling or permanent installation and will not damage walls or doors.

The Push Up Pro is similar to the best-selling Perfect Pushup, facilitating a natural movement of the arms and shoulders to maximize results with less strain on the elbows and wrists. The rotation movement also engages more muscles, resulting in a more complete upper body workout.

Pro Fit Iron Gym with Push Up Pro Product Details

• Pro Fit Iron Gym and Push Up Pro Combo Workout Package
• Iron Gym installs tool-free in doorway, with 3 grips for pull-ups and chin-ups
• Also sits on floor for pushups, dips, and sit-ups; supports up to 300 pounds
• Push-Up Pro handles encourage natural movement of the arms and shoulders
• Workout Bundle includes easy-to-follow upper-body workout guide

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Pro Fit Iron Gym with Push Up Pro Combo Workout Pack
• Compare to the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

This pull up bar from Pacillo’s Fitness features perpendicular neutral grip handles as well as the standard angled handles seen on all joist mount bars. The multiple handles allow for varied grip positions while performing pull ups, chin ups, spread pulls and side pulls.

Unlike some removable doorway chin up bars, stability and sturdiness will be of no concern when this heavy gauge steel bar is properly installed into a joist.

What’s the difference between a chin up and a pull up? A chin up is performed with your palms facing you, while a a pull up is performed with your palms facing away from you.

This joist mount pull up bar is ideal for mounting in a garage, basement or other out of the way location. It measures 48″ in length and includes knurled grips on the angled, middle, and traverse handles.

Important note: Installation requires drilling. The bar is attached to the joist using four large bolts, not screws.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Joist Mounted Pull Up Bar with Neutral Grip Handles
• Compare to all bestselling Pull Up Bars on Amazon

Like the original Iron Gym, the Extreme Edition installs easily in most doorway frames without the need for screws, fasteners or tools of any kind. The sturdy steel frame mounts and removes quickly without wall or door damage that may be caused by permanent installation pull up bars. The black foam may leave a slight mark on white door frames, however.

This versatile piece of equipment lets you build and tone the chest, back, biceps, triceps, shoulders and abs. When placed on the floor you can perform deep pushups, tricep dips or sit-ups using the Iron Gym for foot stability.

One minor concern with doorway pull up bars of any kind is the need for tall users (6′ 2″ or taller) to bend at the knees to keep their feet from dragging on the ground.

Like the original, the Iron Gym Extreme Edition supports up to 300 pounds and is designed to fit residential doorways between 24 to 32 inches, with trim or molding up to 3.5 inches wide.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar – Extreme Edition
• See all popular Pull Up Bars on Amazon
• Iron Gym Extreme Edition on eBay

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition US $29.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday May-22-2012 14:44:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

Iron Gym New Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition US $54.31 Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:21:49 PDT   | Watch this Item

While this DVD is a valuable supplement to the Perfect Pushup, we’d like to see it come standard with the regular package.

The DVD teaches proper technique and form while adding variety to your workouts with 10 challenging pushup styles demonstrated by Navy SEALS, Yoga and other experts. It also includes pushup calisthenics that add variety and an aerobic element to your workouts.

This DVD is strictly demonstrational; it doesn’t provide an actual routine. The user is left to combine the different styles into their own workout progam.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• The Perfect Pushup Power 10 Workout DVD
• Get the Perfect Pushup – Original

The GoFit Chin-Up Bar adjusts to fit standard door frames between 28″ – 36″. The bar can be used for chinups as well as crunches and situps when anchored at the door base. Weight capacity is 250 pounds.

This is not the twist-to-tighten variety of chinup bar that has been around for decades; it requires mounting hardware (included) to install properly and safely.

While the grips are high quality and comfortable, this bar lacks the wide-grip functionality of handles that extend beyond the door frame seen in the easy mount models.

This is an adequate bar if you’re on a budget, but also see the more versatile but still very affordable Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar or P90X Chin-Up Bar.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the GoFit Chin-Up Bar on Amazon
  
• Compare to all bestselling Chin Up Bars

Organized into four price ranges, there’s a gift on this list to match every fitness level and budget. Many are simple but effective products chosen for their value and affordability, while others represent the highest levels of technological innovation.

We hope this guide will help readers who may be overwhelmed by the vast array of fitness products available online. Most of these selections are among the top reviewed, best-selling or highest consumer-rated products currently on the market.

Jump to price range:

• Gifts Under $50

• Gifts Under $100

• Gifts Under $500

• Gifts Over $500

• Gifts Under $50

  Wii Fit Plus

  Wii Fit exposed millions of people to the growing world of fitness-related gaming, becoming the third best selling video game in history one year after its release.

  Wii Fit Plus, released on October 4, 2009, is a sequal to the 2007 original that adds new routines, features and enhancements to the existing workouts. It works with previous Wii Fit files so owners of the original game can access their saved profiles and workout history. New users will get everything in the original plus the enhancements.

  • Read Review
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  Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

  Since the introduction of Tony Horton’s P90X Extreme Home Fitness System, multifunction workout bars have seen skyrocketing sales. This product is a lower-priced alternative to the P90X Chin-Up/Pull-Up Bar commonly used with P90X.

  After simple assembly the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Bar can be installed in standard doorways in just seconds. Using your body’s own weight as leverage the bar mounts securely without the use of brackets, screws or fasteners.

  • Read Review
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  The SurfShelf – Treadmill Laptop Holder and Shelf

  Here’s a long overdue innovation that helps alleviate the inevitable boredom that comes with working out on a stationary exercise machine.

  Google and Dell have installed SurfShelfs into all of their fitness facilities. Jason Chen, Editor of Gizmodo.com called it “one of my favorite inventions ever.”

  • Read Review
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  Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack with Four 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks

  Ideal for marathon and distance runners, the Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack helps maintain proper hydration and nutritional requirements during long runs.

  The belt includes four separate easy access flasks fitted in molded holsters.Each 10 ounce flask can be used for water, energy drinks or nutrition gels. The separate front and rear stash pockets can carry cell phones, mp3 players, keys, wallets or snacks.

  • Read Review
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  GoFit Ultimate Wobble Board

  Wobble boards, also known as balance boards, are gaining popularity as a mainstream form of fitness training. Benefits include improved balance, coordination, core strength, agility and stability. Wobble board use also encourages communication between the left and right halves of the brain, resulting in an increased sense of body awareness.

  • Read Review
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  Gold’s Gym Circuit Training System

  With the recent explosion in popularity of doorway pullup bars, rotational pushup devices and ab/core trainers, Gold’s Gym has created a fitness kit that neatly incorporates all three into one package.The 3-in-one set includes a grip-lock doorway gym for pullups and chinups, rotating pushup stands, and ab straps that can be attached the the pullup bar for core training.

  • Read Review
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  Bodylastics Heavy Duty Exercise Resistance Bands System

  Bodylastics Resistance Bands have been an alternative to expensive home gyms & health clubs since 1998. The average person who joins a health club spends $500 per year for their membership. Bodylastics is an affordable system designed to provide workouts that rival the best and most expensive exercise machines. The compact system is effective for muscle building, body toning, and weight loss.

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• Gifts Under $100

  EA Sports Active

  Developed in collaboration with Bob Greene, known for his Best Life Program and association with Oprah Winfrey, EA Sports Active offers fun, easy to learn exercises and activities to help users stay focused on fitness.

  EA Sports Active gives an unparalleled introduction to virtual exercise for those new to the concept, or a step up for those who’ve become bored with the routines included in the Wii Fit and other third party titles.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Joist Mount Chin Up Bar

  As opposed to the wildly popular screw-less doorway chin up bars, this device mounts in a more traditional fashion by anchoring into wooden joists, the horizontal beams that support floors. This creates a “permanent” workout solution that’s sturdy and safe. The bar can be installed in any room but is ideal for an out the way corner in a garage, workroom or basement.

  • Read Review
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  Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer

  Best known for his P90X system that has exploded online and through infomercials, Tony Horton has gained a massive following for his popular library of fitness programs. We like P90X but have heard numerous comments about how advanced and DIFFICULT it is for some.

  The 10 Minute Trainer, sold through Beachbody, is a good choice for those looking for a less rigorous program. But don’t expect to breeze through these DVD workouts. They are challenging.

  • Read Review
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  Yogamatic Eco-friendly Printed Yoga Mat

  Tired of your dull and uninspiring yoga mat? Here’s a unique fitness accessory that will add some creativity and personality to your workouts.Yogamatic uses global artists young and old to design an array of expressive mats intended to reflect your individual spirit, taste and personal interests.

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  Impact Sports ePulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch and Calorimeter

  Don’t like uncomfortable and annoying chest strap heart rate monitors? Don’t trust pulse rate monitors built into your exercise machine? The Impact Sports ePulse offers an intriguing alternative.Wrapped snugly around your forearm the ePulse accurately calculates pulse and calories burned using light sensor technology. The advanced microchip easily regulates workout intensity and manages specific fitness and weight loss goals.

  • Read Review
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• Gifts Under $500

  Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer

  The Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer converts your outdoor bike into an indoor cycling trainer. It features quiet and smooth magnetic resistance that increases as you gain speed.

  Perfect for the casual cyclist who wants to stay in shape in bad weather or can’t afford a gym membership or expensive exercise bike

  • Read Review
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  INSANITY with Sean T. 60-Day Total Body Conditioning Program

  While P90X has redefined what can be accomplished by a home exercise system, Beachbody continues to produce high quality fitness programs, with varied levels of acclaim.

  With the highly anticipated release of Insanity with Shaun T., Beachbody may have a program that rivals P90X in popularity, intensity and results. P90X is a 90 day program (hence the name), while Insanity aims to put you in the best shape of your life in just 60 days. It’s also differs in that it requires no weights, resistance bands or extra equipment.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Confidence Foldable Stow Away Exercise Bike

  We’ve rarely seen customer ratings so high for such a reasonably priced piece of equipment. This exercise bike provides a great low-impact, cardiovascular workout and folds away compactly for easy storage. It’s great for apartment dwellers.

  The Confidence Foldable Bike includes an on-board computer that monitors Riding Time, Speed, Distance & Calories. It utilizes Adjustable Magnetic Resistance for an efficient workout. An easy-to-read instruction manual and all the necessary tools for easy home assembly are included.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

  This extraordinary device will help you train smarter and more effectively and may change how you think about exercise.

  The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a wrist-mounted GPS receiver, but first and foremost it’s a training tool.The 305 delivers real-time information and alerts on an unprecedented range of data, including multiple heart rate variables, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, elevation, terrain grade and route direction. It’s suitable for runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, marathon competitors and other outdoor athletes.

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  GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System

  The GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System is the same device from the same manufacturer as the BodyBugg V3 featured on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. The name change came after 24 Hour Fitness bought the rights to the BodyBugg.

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  Ironman ATIS 1000 AB Training System Inversion Therapy Table

  The Ironman ATIS 1000 represents a step forward in inversion table therapy and is a significant upgrade to their bestselling Gravity 1000 model.

  The ATIS 1000 uses a Smart Gear System, rather than a tether strap to safely lock the table in place in 10 different positions. The Scale Locking System increases ankle security and the table is designed around an extra-wide steel frame with a 300 pound weight capacity.

  • Read Review
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  Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Exercise Bike

  The sheer number of exercise bikes now on the market can make choosing between style, manufacturer, quality level and price range a daunting task.

  The Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Bike is not what you’d expect to see in a commercial gym, but the solid design, respected brand and essential features make it a good choice for those on a budget looking for an effective cardio workout.

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  Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

  The 2009 version of the Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells features an updated design, greatly increased strength and durability, and new aluminum alloy and polymeric safety tabs.

  As with the previous version these dumbbells pack a rack full of results in a very compact, adjustable lifting system that gives you 15 sets of free weights in one. You can change resistance from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5 pound increments with a quick turn of a dial. The wide range of available resistance lets you effectively work arms, chest, shoulders and back at your desired level of difficulty.

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• Gifts Over $500

  Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill

  This trendy treadmill distinguishes itself with a sleek, streamlined, space saving design and incredibly easy setup. It ships folded and fully assembled — just pull it out of the box, unfold and start treading.

  After a workout the 99 lb assembly can be folded to just 59″ x 10″ and stored under a bed or vertically against a wall or in a closet.

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  Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike

  This is our first look at Diamondback, a respected manufacturer of institutional and home cardio equipment for over 30 years. So what does the 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike have to offer?

  The most distinguishing asset of this bike is the Comfort-Plus extra-wide seat. This is an excellent feature for riders with back problems who can’t tolerate an upright bike position, or for those who just want extra support and comfort. The high-tech, ergonomic mesh seatback includes lumbar support and quick height adjustment.

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  Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike

  The original Schwinn Airdyne has been around for over 20 years and remains a top seller among upright exercise bikes. The next generation Airdyne Evolution Comp stays true to the original concept but incorporates a more efficient design.

  The fan wheel is smaller and uses wider contoured blades for increased resistance, while the operation is much quieter and smoother with less vibration. It’s built with newer technology and higher quality components for an increased life span. It’s a leap forward from the original Schwinn Airdyne.

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  Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

  Concept2 rowing machines are used by Olympic athletes and in commercial gyms around the world and have been called the “Rolex of Rowers.”

  The rowing motion on the Model D is impact-free, smooth and easy on the joints. The sliding seat compresses and extends your legs with every stroke to work the entire body, including arms, legs, chest, back and abdominals while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. A spiral damper lets you can choose between simulated rowing in either a sleek, fast boat or a slow, heavy boat.

  • Read Review
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  Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)

  As the most advanced entry in the Sole E series, the E95 model is a premium, commercial grade, high-end elliptical trainer. It’s our Best Buy Elliptical for 2009.

  The beautifully designed E95 offers a stable, smooth workout with ample top-end resistance. The heavy 30-lb flywheel and long 20-inch stride length increase the stability and efficiency of your workout.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

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  Jump to price range:

  • Gifts Under $50

  • Gifts Under $100

  • Gifts Under $500

  • Gifts Over $500

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  • Have you tried any of these products?
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  • Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

The bar can be mounted on a solid wall or wood beam for maximum safety and support. The non-slip powder coating and comfort grips on the cross bars provide additional security.

The overall design and mounting brackets lend a more attractive aesthetic than some of the joist mount pull up bars that use long brackets with protruding hardware.

The nonslip coating on the horizonal bar is nice for sustaining a grip but would benefit from soft grip handles. Some users wear training gloves or wrap the handles with towels or other padding to avoid hand irritation.

This bar can also be used as a dip station but requires a high enough ceiling and a ladder or other method to access the bar in a dipping position.

Pull ups are among the most effective and efficient of upper body workouts. They involve compound movements, using multiple joints, muscle groups and auxiliary muscles.

Wall mounted chin up bars let you workout spontaneously without the need to install in a doorway each time you’re ready to knock out a set.

Compare to the Joist Mount Chin Up Bar. For the bestselling no screw, doorway models, see the P90X Chin-Up Bar or Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Maximum Muscle Trainer Wall-Mounted Pull Up Chin Up Bar
• See all chin up/pull up bars on Amazon
• The Maximum Muscle Trainer Pull Up Bar 0n eBay
  

Maximum Muscle Trainer Wall-Mounted Pull Up Chin Up Bar US $59.48 Auction Ends: Tuesday May-22-2012 5:07:43 PDT   | Watch this Item

Maximum Muscle Trainer Wall-Mounted Pull Up Chin Up Bar US $65.95 Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 23:03:23 PDT   | Watch this Item

Perfect Fitness has now released a series of accessories for owners of the original Perfect Pushup or the Perfect Pushup V2.

Our first thought was that some or all of these could have been included in the Perfect Pushup package. But the original unit is affordable and the accessories are downright cheap and can help users who have lost interest in their Perfect Pushup workouts.

Power 10 Workout Cards

Derived from Yoga techniques and Navy Seal workouts, these full color cards feature 10 new exercises to add variety to your Perfect Pushup routines. The thickly laminated cards demonstrate proper form on the front and detailed explanations and workouts on the back.

Power 10 Workout DVD

The DVD demonstrates proper technique and form for 10 different pushup styles to help vary your workouts. It also includes pushup calisthenics for an added aerobic element. All the exercises focus on building muscle and improving strength and coordination.

Perfect Pushup Counter

If you don’t feel like counting reps or timing your workouts this clever accessory will do the work for you. It accurately tracks repetitions and time and ensures proper form and full muscle engagement. The timer can be set for up to 99 minutes to record cumulative pushup progress during the the course of the day and can be adjusted for specific time intervals such as the SEAL two-minute pushup test. The  innovative design includes a flexible base and a foam cushion top for a safe landing pad in the event your arms give way during a set.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Perfect Pushup Power 10 Workout Cards
• Perfect Pushup Power 10 Workout DVD
• Perfect Pushup Counter

• Click here for the original Perfect Pushup on Amazon

The straps are constructed from durable, heavy-duty nylon and will not not wear out or tear. They are ideal for building strong abs and core while performing hanging crunches and leg lifts.

An quick-lock “clip on” carabiner hook makes it easy to attach the straps to any chin up, pull up or sturdy overhead bar. This product has become popular for use with the Iron Gym, P90X and Joist Mount pullup bars

Extra padding and brushed interior lining add comfort. The straps are machine washable.

Valeo Ab Straps Product Details

• Two ab straps for off-the-floor crunches and leg lifts
• Made of durable, heavy-duty woven nylon with steel grommets
• Steel carabiner attachments for use with all brands of pull-up bars
• Interior padding with brushed lining for maximum arm comfort
• Straps clean easily in the washing machine (line-dry only)

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Valeo Ab Straps
• All Ab Straps on Amazon
• Chinup and Pullup Bars on Amazon
• Valeo Ab Straps on eBay
  

Valeo Ab Straps, Fitness Ab Slings, Perfect Pullup, Exercise Equipment , New US $35.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday May-22-2012 15:26:15 PDT   | Watch this Item

Valeo Hanging Abdominal Ab Straps - 1 Pair US $39.14 Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 8:56:04 PDT   | Watch this Item