Foo - One of those "Seen on TV" products that actually works

A few weeks ago, my mom sent me one of those chin up bars that just grabs a door frame without any tools. I'm not exactly sure why she sent it (I doubt many guys my age get these things sent to them), except I made some comment a few months ago that I'd become a ghost of my former self, particularly with regards to upper body strength.

Anyway, it works far better than I would have guessed. I've been using it daily for a few weeks now. It feels sturdy and doesn't slip when you're using it despite the fact that it looks flimsy. I'm going to start taking it on business travel. Here's (http://www.getirongym.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1) the gizmo. It looks cheesy, but I actually like it.

Thanks! I've been thinking about buying one of those from the As seen on TV store in the mall....I was worried it would slip or mess up the door frame.

Does it list a weight limit for the user?

Ha! I have the same one. I'm pushing 170 and no adverse effects on the door.

You do have to have a smooth motion - basically do the exercise correctly. If you jump up to grab the bar, you can dislodge it and end up smaking yourself in the face with it very hard (you are pulling it towards your head at maximum force). I did this with a different piece of equipment when I was a kid and damn near broke my cheekbone.

Make sure the molding is nailed in tight. I love mine but I have a very old house with wide moldings and I could only get mine to work on a newer door frame with thinner molding- after about 2 months of use the molding pulled loose and down I went. I have since renailed it with sturdier nails.

You need molding on the frame for it to work?

Thanks! I've been thinking about buying one of those from the As seen on TV store in the mall....I was worried it would slip or mess up the door frame.
I had the same concern, and it would have never occurred to me to try the thing had it not been sent to me.

It absolutely requires molding to work, but it makes no noise and doesn't stress the frame or the molding in any way that I can determine. It claims that you can be up to 300 lbs, but there's no way I'd try that on any of my doors. I weigh just a tick over 140.

i wouldnt buy that

over 90% of those 'as seen on TV' stuff works great.

Humph, I have a welded bar where we dry clothes outside, and since our temperature is always perfect, and it is under a roof - no issues. :D