There’s no doubt in my mind that you can get in a really good workout with absolutely no equipment.
And in case you haven’t noticed, many of the 12 Minute Athlete HIIT workouts use nothing more than your own body weight.
Personally, I work out equipment-free on a regular basis—and anytime I travel, I never bring more than my timer and maybe my jump rope, yet I’m still able to get in an ass-kicking, sweat inducing workout—no problem.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t nice to have some basic exercise equipment available every once in a while, whether at home or in a gym.
A good piece of equipment can be used for multiple exercises, adds an increased challenge and keeps your workouts interesting.
One of my favorite pieces of home workout equipment that fits this description? Dip bars.
Here’s why…
Do more with a dip bar
Yes, push ups are great. Yes, handstands and handstand push ups should rock your world.
But want to build a sexy, strong upper body—fast? A dip bar will do the trick.
Getting a dip bar for your home (or just using one at your gym) can help you:
- Build strength in your arm, shoulder, and back muscles quickly
- Get increased strength so you can actually do pull ups
- Shape strong, awesome core muscles
Not convinced yet?
Why every home should have a dip bar
I first got my dip bar when living in Amsterdam, and it’s since traveled with me to New York and now to San Francisco—that’s how much I love it.
While there are certainly other brands out there, the one that I originally purchased and have been incredibly happy with is made by the guys’ at Ultimate Body Press (yes, that’s an affiliate link). Yes, it’ll cost you $79.95 plus shipping up front, but it’s well worth it.
Just think—you could be spending that much (or more—my gym in New York cost $120 a month!) on a gym membership every single month.
Other reasons why I love the Ultimate Body Press dip bar:
- It’s incredibly easy to put together. This is no Ikea purchase—just click a few pieces together and you’re good to go.
- It doesn’t take up much space. Even if you live in a tiny apartment, you’ll have room for this dip bar when its fully assembled. And if you want to make it even smaller, just quickly take it apart and store it in a closet or even under your bed.
- It lasts forever. As I mentioned before, I’ve had my dip bar for about three years now and it’s as sturdy now as it was when I first bought it. I won’t need to replace it anytime soon.
Exercises you can do with a dip bar
What can you do with a dip bar? So many awesome things.
Use it often and you’ll get stronger, buffer, and fitter than ever before.
Click on the video links below for a few ideas:
See full workouts that use a dip bar here.
How to make a makeshift dip bar for your home
Don’t want to shell out the money for a dip bar?
Don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you can’t do all the awesome exercises we do with a dip bar here on the site.
You just have to be creative.
To replicate a dip bar for reverse push ups:
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Place a broomstick or mop over two chairs and create your own dip bar.
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Or use the underside of a table if you have a table with a lip on it and pull yourself up.
For knee raises, dips, leg raises, and burpee knee ups:
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Put together two stools or find a space where two countertops are a little wider than shoulder width apart and use those surfaces in replace of a dip bar.
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Or if you have a pull up bar, simply do knee raises while hanging on to the pull up bar. This works really well!
And if you have none of these options… don’t worry, you can still get a good workout in.
Just go to the Bodyweight Exercise Substitutions page to see exactly which exercises can be substituted for any of those using a dip bar.
And enjoy!