P90X2, like its predecessor P90X, is flexible. If you don’t have weights, you can use resistance bands. If you don’t have a yoga mat, you can use a thick towel. And if you don’t have the P90X2 Chin Up Bar, you can use resistance bands with a door attachment. But, will you get as good of a workout with these variations, or should you always stick to the higher-end option?

This is a great question and the answer isn’t a simple one.

We like that this system is accommodating, that there are multiple options for equipment needs. This means that more people will be able to use the program. If a P90X2 Chin Up Bar isn’t feasible for you, for whatever reason, we’re happy you can use resistance bands instead. But when it comes to all of the potential equipment substitutions, the chin-up work is hardest to duplicate. In a pinch, resistance bands work great. You can still get a great workout with them. But, we highly recommend the P90X2 Chin Up Bar in this instance.

Why the P90X2 Chin Up Bar?

As with P90X, P90X2 has a lot of chin up work and several core strength moves that are done with the use of the bar. Because of this, Beachbody has made sure that this bar is of the highest quality. It stood up to P90X and it can stand up to P90X2. The bar allows you to work against your own body weight, and we all know how that weight can seem to work against us sometimes. There’s no cheating here—you either do the moves or you don’t. With alternatives, on the other hand, you can always skimp out, and no one will be the wiser (except for you, of course).

So, which will it be?

There are many optional products for the P90X2 system; the P90X2 Chin Up Bar is just one. What you ultimately add to your home gym is totally your prerogative. Yes, you can get a good workout using resistance bands instead of a chin up bar. But, we highly recommend the P90X2 Chin Up bar if you are looking for the most dramatic results possible. This chin up bar is top-of-the-line. It is safe and gets far more positive reviews online than other tension-mounted chin-up bars.

If you need additional information on the P90X2 Accessories, be sure to read through pages 24 and 25 of your Fitness Guide.