Creative Fitness Door Gym Reviews

• Works surprisingly well!

  
  By ASYN6UQCTPEZV on 2004-06-04
  I was very skeptical of this "cantilevered" doorway chinning bar. I thought it would slide, not really stay up, be unsafe or unstable to use. Well, the thing actually works as advertised! It's basically a chinning bar sitting on 2 J shaped braces. The tops of the braces connect with a flat crosspiece. The crosspiece sits on the opposite side of the doorframe, resting on the top of the doorjamb. On the your side of the doorway, the ends of the chinning bar press against the doorframe. Your weight pushes the chinning bar against the doorframe on one side, presses the crosspiece against the doorjamb on the other. I was nervous pulling my 190lbs up on this thing, hearing all kinds of creaking from the doorway...but, in fact it was stable and held my weight like a champ. I live in an old apt., and techinically I think my doorframe is a bit two narrow for the specifications--there are foam pads at the ends of the bar that are suppose press against the doorframe molding. In my case, the doorframe hits the metal bar itself, and the padded ends extend beyond that. Probably not technically as safe as it should be (metal against wood, instead of non-slip foam against wood), but it still works great.

  I was also scared that since your weight holds it in place, it would fall off while you're not applying a lot of force. So you would have to do some kinda balancing act to hold it in place until you start chinning, and it would fall off as soon you're done. Not so. It rests fairly securely on the jamb, but a quick upward motion removes it right off. If you're paranoid, it comes with a little hook that you wedge in between the molding and the wall that will hold the unit in place while you're not chinning.

  Two complaints: There are foam grips (including two perpendicular grips), but I wish the whole bar was foamed for a wider range of grips. If you're serious you'll probably want to buy the broad-grip accessory that's sold separately (I have not yet, so far this is plenty). Secondly, there's no assembly instructions, just an exploded view of what screws go where. There's only 4, so that's trivial, but they include some locking washers (2 metal, 2 plastic) that are essential to use, and the diagram does not indicate to use these. Otherwise, a very nice product.
  
  

• It's a pullup bar

  
  By A2RLLC0EGSXPPR on 2004-09-22
  This is a pull-up bar. If you want to do pull-ups it is the best solution for your home. Put up and take down in seconds with no tools. Comfy foam padding, sturdy design. Some assembly required.
  
  As a bonus you can also use the thing as a push-up bar. You may ask why you'd need a push-up bar when you have a floor. Well, you don't. It's just a bonus.
  
  

• Works great, but directions are lacking

  
  By A1KW9L1DOH0X46 on 2007-01-27
  Received my Door Gym yesterday, had it put all together in about 5 minutes, and I was up and hanging. Also worked great for pushups. With such poor directions, it took a couple of minutes to figure out what bolts should go where, but once I did, it was a cinch.
  
  For those that had problems with assembly, or are considering purchasing the Door Gym, here's the deal. The hex head bolts are installed vertically, where the 90 degree bend tubes connect to the horizontal bar. Use the silver washers with these. The rounded bolt heads are the ones used to attach the plastic bar to the two 90 degree bend tubes together at the back, and will be installed horizontally. Use the smaller black washers with these. Looking underneath the rounded bolt head, you will see that it is four-sided for a short length, and not round. Now, looking at the plastic bar with the pad, if you look in the holes where the bolts go, you will see that they have a square opening. The square part of the bolt HAS to be pushed into the square opening. If it's not, you won't have the length necessary to securely screw on the cap nut. This is why several people had issues with it.
  
  Great product, and would be even better if it had easily understood, and complete directions.
  
  
  

• "Residential" doors are not all alike

  
  By A25ZMYSPTC5EP0 on 2007-12-02
  The Door Gym and other items like it need to have way more specific descriptions of their requirements. This product would probably work great if you had the right kind of molding. The molding in my house is too tall and too thick for this product to work. Also, the walls themselves and therefore the door frame is too thick for this to fit.
  
  The only requirement they tell you about is the width of the door. I have many doors fitting the width requirement, but none fitting the molding requirements. Lots of houses in New England have molding just like mine. In fact, I'm hard pressed to think of anyone I know whose doors this would fit. I think you need to have doors that have only the simplest modern-looking cheap molding in order for the Door Gym to fit.
  
  

• other chin-up bars need screwed-in brackets; not this one!

  
  By on 2004-01-13
  DOES NOT NEED ANY HARDWARE DEFACING YOUR DOORWAY, IT TAKES ONLY A SECOND TO SET UP AND A SECOND TO TAKE DOWN. Works in 24 to 32 inch doorways, requires trim up to 3.5" wide around the door. Door width, with trim, must be at least 4 inches thick (may not be suitable for older doorway moldings).

  Latches on without screws, bolts or fasteners, so you won't leave holes in your door trim. A cantilever design uses your own body weight (up to 300 lbs.) to keep it in place.
  
  

• Unbelievable
  By A29RRZENUZX5D on 2004-05-24
  I was a little sketchy being that it cost ~$80 with the broad reach bar (incl. shipping) but when I received it I was astounded. Not only was it sturdy, easy to assemble, and easy to put up/take down, but the foam padding is HIGH quality. This thing should last for many, many years. Well worth the price.
  
  
• Great !!
  By AE4THC22LW3VL on 2004-12-21
  I purchased the door gym and I was ready to return it. I didn't think it would be good. To my surprise the Door Gym was perfect. Everything you need is in the box. No tools required. The instructions are a little vague, but if you put any furniture together in your life, this item will not be a problem. The foam padding protects your door,no markings or scratches. The door gym goes up in 1 second, and comes down in half the time. Never leave an ugly pull up bar in the door again. It is very strong. It holds my weight (190) no problem. I feel very safe while using it. I would definately buy it again.
  
  
• Excellent, relatively cheap upper body workout
  By A2HC22S8O9OW0K on 2006-04-13
  I have used the door gym for several months (exclusively for pull-ups, but also useful for deep pushups and situps), and have found it to be an excellent cost effective workout for the upper body. It can be installed and uninstalled literally in seconds on your doorway. (Caution: measure your doorway of interest to assure compatibility with the Door Gym's specifications). The foam padding on the bar that provides support over the doorway is more than adequate to protect your wall's paint. In fact, the padding that rests on the door jambs also do a commendable job of not ruining your door's finish. That said, use common sense (ie, it's not a monkey bar) and don't horse around on it, and your door should be pristine. The door gym comes with four screws, 2 are shorter than the others, and at first glance, seem to be a mistake (as some of the reviewers stated). The two shorter screws (if I recall correctly) are for securing the door gym to the red padded bar that goes over the door. You need to push fairly FIRMLY on the screw (which has been threaded through the door gym and red padded bar) in order to secure the nut onto it. Once it's on, tighten with a wrench, and the opposite side will be easier. Areas for improvement? The instructions could obviously be clearer, judging from the previous reviewers' comments about assembly problems. Also, padding the wide grip areas would permit even more choices (in terms of comfort to the hands) of grips for pull-ups. Effective, relatively cheap, portable, and kind to your door is my take on the Door Gym:)
  
  
• This chinup bar rocks
  By A3CW7MD442IHA1 on 2004-07-09
  It's the best chinup bar I've ever used. No installation necessary and the foam makes it very easy on the hands. I like that it also supports parallel grip pullups.

  Highly recommended.

  I saw a similar device elsewhere for dips that might be worth checking out, as well (although I don't see it here on Amazon yet). I have a free-standing dip bar but I'm not crazy about it since it's a bit too high and a bit too wide.
  
  

• EXCELLENT!
  By A1OH35W61WO5XD on 2005-01-21
  I have used my Door Gym for 5 years and it has worked without problem, or injury all that time. I think that I will still be able to use it for a good 20 years. A note about the paint above the door frame, it can do a little number on the paint, but only slight wearing, not even noticeable in my house unless you're looking!
  
  
• Minor complaints
  By A22KKBJXEGZYA2 on 2005-06-29
  Overall, a very good product, easy to use and very sturdy. I weigh in at about 225, and have felt very safe with it. Putting it up and taking it down takes literally no time.
  
  However, it has left small marks on my door frame, not TOO noticeable, but present nonetheless. And I find myself wishing for foam pads on the wide grip location (outside the handles) as well. I purchased the wide grip bar, but have yet to use it.
  
  4 Stars.
  
  
• MORE LIKE A DOORSTOP!!
  By A36APU90DKK1GP on 2005-11-15
  I measured everything correctly. Set it up exactly how the instructions directed(EVEN DID IT TWICE,just to be sure). The thing came crashing down on my head after two pullups!! Called for assistance,but got none. Got rid of it already,i have a tower gym on the way. Really wanted this product to work, but to no avail.
  
  
• Great home and travel fitness gadget
  By A1JBK66CODMQ1O on 2004-11-03
  This is a great fitness gadget because of the following reasons:
  1. You don't need screws to install it - in a second you put it on a door frame without any screws or installation.
  2. You can do a good workout in a short period of time.
  3. You can dissasemble it and store it easily or take it with you if you travel a lot. On my previous job I had to travel a lot so it was great for me. I even went further and improved it for quick and compact dissasembly by installing fly nuts (the ones you can easily unscrew with your hands) and by cutting the long bar in the middle and installing inside a tube, so I could fit it in a medium bag without any problem.
  I would deffinitely recomend it for a home or for a person who travel a lot.
  
  
• The ultimate home pull-up, chin-up, hanging crunch bar!
  By A1FQKPQCW96MF8 on 2007-07-04
  Pull-ups and chin-ups aren't the easiest exercise to do, but they are the best bodyweight exercise that you can do. It's great for developing your arms, back, and abs (crunches). If you're a pull-up / chin-up freak, the Door Gym is great. I use the Door Gym more than any other exercise equipment that I have at home because it's unavoidable. It's in the doorway to my bedroom. I can't pass through without doing several pull-ups and chin-ups.
  
  The assembly was a bit of a challenge. At first, I thought the four screws were too short until I really pressed the two pieces together and forced the screws through the holes. The wrench that comes with the Door Gym for assembly is a joke. I strongly recommend buying or using your own wrench.
  
  After assembling the Door Gym, it hangs on the door with ease and securely. I was somewhat concerned that it would damage the wall and the door frame, but it doesn't leave a mark.
  
  I considered buying the cheaper screw-into-the-door frame pull-up/chin-up bars, but the Door Gym is more versatile (plus it's removable and it doesn't damage the door frame). With the Door Gym, you can do the usual pull-ups and chin-ups, but you can also do neutral grip (palms facing each other pull-ups) and commando pull-ups. There's an optional extender that you can buy for a much wider grip, but I can't imagine why it's necessary.
  
  There are similar products like the Door Gym. I saw one at a fitness store. The design was very similar, but the construction and materials were inferior. The metal felt too light and the foam used for gripping and to cushion against the door frame were very thin. The "knock-off" also had a different design for the part that presses against the door header wall which puts more pressure and more likely to damage the wall.
  
  If you're taller than 5'8", you might not like any door pull-up/chin-up bar since it'll be difficult to really extend out when hanging. It's still possible to use it, but you'll really have to bend your legs throughout the exercise.
  
  
• Long time user
  By A20T1T4TTORNQU on 2005-01-03
  I have used this equipment for about 6 years (probably an older version) and it is as good as new. Buy it, its an extraordinary tool.
  
  
  
• Very good product
  By A2N25BX39BVH5W on 2005-02-06
  Good for a quick and tough upperbody workout, plus abdominals. I wouldn't call it portable because it's pretty unwieldy, but it installs and uninstalls in 2 seconds. Comes with a little clip to reinforce the mounting bar to keep the gym from falling off the doorway frame.
  
  
• Works as expected
  By A1M5XCAY7KS9UI on 2007-06-20
  This bar is sturdy and really easy to install when you want to use it. However, I do take issue with the stated weight capacity. While I have no doubt the bar itself can support 350 lbs, it relies on door moulding for support and I don't trust the meager moulding around our doors. Also, at 6'-2", I found that I really had to tuck my legs way up just to be able to use the bar. Our interior doorways look to be appx. 6'-6" tall, so you might have better luck if your doorways are taller. Overall, the product is good but the flimsy moulding and low opening of my doorways make it difficult for me to use. It works great for my wife (who is both shorter and lighter).
  
  
• Screws are too short
  By A1EASHL018BK45 on 2005-12-31
  I couldn't even assemble it, it comes with 4 screws, 2 of them were too short to fit and hold it together.
  Definitely i don't recommend it.
  too much money for no value.
  
  
• Effective and Simple - Worth Buying
  By AB4J80DZ8L7PN on 2007-08-23
  Assembly:
  
  Putting this chin up bar was fairly simple. Didn't really need the directions because how chin up bar was pictured made everything self-explanatory of how all the parts fit, including the specific screws to use (I did use the directions to check my work though).
  
  Actual Use:
  
  I have a one bedroom in Manhattan and this chin-up bar works well for my space. The Door Gym Chin Up Bar can easily support my weight. I'm very confident it can handle the 300lbs. +, as it claims. The catch is how well your door frame is set up for this. Be sure to have a door frame with an edge that is sturdy and at least 3/4 in to 1 1/2inches jutting from the wall. I will say the cantilever effect, of how the door gym stays in place, is great. The Door Gym works even better on door frames that are higher.
  
  I am able to do a wide variety of pull ups and chin ups using the door gym. Wide grips may be limited based on the width of your doorway.
  
  Overall, for the price I paid for, I definitely got my money's worth.
  
  Drawbacks:
  You will need to place some additional padding where the long bar presses against the door frame because depending on your weight indentions may form on the door frame. This is easily remedied by placing any small face towel where the long bar rests.
  
  Another drawback is that you may need to get the add on bar for wide grip pull ups. You should be conscious of how wide your doorway is.
  
  Overall:
  I recommend this product. On Amazon you can find different retailers for this product and usually get an inexpensive deal.
  
  I use this product while doing my P90X workout. I purchased this effective chin up bar at a significantly lower price on Amazon vs. getting a similar bar on the P90X product site.
  
  
• Works great!
  By A1720CHW2X6Y3E on 2006-05-26
  This is really a neat invention. I live in an apartment and didn't have any place to do pull-ups. Bought this item and problem solved! It's rock solid and very easy to install and uninstall. It does leave some minor marks on the frame, but no big deal.
  
  
• My new gym :-D
  By A1DGAHSD7V9H6P on 2006-09-19
  Working out used to be heh for me, but after getting the door gym I made a rule. Anytime I enter my bathroom (which is where it is suspended) either before or after I have to do 10 Pull-ups and 10 Neutral pull-ups, also since I purchased the broad-reach 10 of those as well. It's working wonders, within the first week of doing pull-ups where i'd use my legs just enough to complete the pull-up I'm now able to do 10 regular pull-ups. I'm very happy with this product, only downside (which I personally don't really care about) is that depending on what kind of door frame you have you could get some denting on the front side, the backside works just fine and leaves no marks on your walls. So anyway... I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants a quick and depending on how hard you want to work :P easy workout.
  
  
• Great for a quick work out
  By A2CJ0NZJ292MPT on 2004-08-23
  I travel alot and this is great for people who travel or who live at home and just want a quick work out. For what a pay for a month at the gym, you can keep the pump up.
  
  
• Low Quality
  By ADJ6K8THUG25L on 2008-01-08
  This worked for a few weeks then broke and damaged my door and injured my shoulder. Not recommended.
  
  
• So Simple!
  By A14JJG2WE6SE8T on 2005-11-18
  I was amazed at the simplicity of this product! I've had mine for just over 3 years and it's still in near perfect condition. Easy to hangup and take down (so you don't have to drill holes in moms doorways). I recommend it to everyone.
  
  
• Might work but not for me
  By A1ZUVHG02HJDM0 on 2006-03-31
  Assembled easy for me, but does not fit all doors. Doors in my house have a lip over them, and doors at my school it just did not fit. So if you find a door it fits its great, if not your screwed.
  
  
• good product
  By A1KVHHIMBN1TIL on 2007-04-04
  I use this product with my P90X workout DVD's, and it is excellent. gives you the workout you need to build your upper body muscle.
  
  
• Good sturdy bar
  By A633AAV2D25NA on 2007-06-13
  It does rough up the paint in the doorway a bit, but it supports my husband just fine (230 pounds).
  
  I wouldn't travel with it as it is bulky.
  
  If youplan to set this up and keep it in that spot, I think this is a great pull-up bar.
  
  The grips are nice and it is very sturdy.
  
  
• no ordinary exercise bar!
  By A31P138JTKTEEO on 2005-06-22
  certainly worth the expense, the door gym is sturdy, very easy to assemble, and offers you a variety of grips for doing chin-ups, i.e. you can isolate different sets of muscles.
  
  for a place to install the doorgym, make sure you have a doorway with a wooden trim. and if you want a permanent home for the doorgym in your house/apartment, use a doorway to a room for which the door remains open! - the only (minor) annoyance is that you can't close your door when the doorgym is in place.
  
  
• This product is a scam.
  By A2218M6VQXASIA on 2006-01-05
  Dont buy it. Cannot assemble, cannot use. waste of money.
  
  
• Works wonders
  By AE95SZ8DZI9W0 on 2006-07-24
  I love my door gym. Used it for over a year no issues. Actually gave my first one to family becaused they loved it so much and had to get another. Holds my weight well and works for both the pullup and ab workout. Great product!! 100% satisfaction.
  
  

• Ab Lounge 2 Abdominal Exerciser
• Creative Fitness Rug Runner Deluxe Package with Poles and Horizontal Grip Bands
• Jack Zatorski's Push Up Pro
• Slendertone Flex Go Abdominal Toning System
• Creative Fitness Ab-Loops

• Creative Fitness Door Gym Broad Reach Attachment
• Perfect Pushup - Original
• P90X Extreme Home Fitness with Tony Horton - Set of 13 DVDs
• Creative Fitness Ab-Loops
• Creative Fitness Door Gym Extension Bars