The P90X2 Chin Up Bar is one of our highest recommended pieces of equipment for this fitness program. It’s something that you can use again and again, both in the P90X2 workouts and beyond. It’s well constructed and allows for several different grips, which means it can target various muscles. But, even though we would really like to see all P90X2 customers purchase the chin up bar, we know some are looking for alternatives, or how to do P90X2 without pull up bar.

The Answer Is: Resistance Bands!

You can do P90X2 without pull up bar, and instead by using resistance bands. How? By fastening the resistance band to a doorframe using the Upgrade Kit. There is a door attachment in the upgrade kit that allows you to hook your band to the hinge of your interior door. Then, you sit on the floor and do the pull up motions using the handles of your resistance bands. Does it work? Absolutely. Is it effective as the P90X2 pull up bar? Not quite.

Why the Pull Up Bar is Slightly Better

We offer the resistance bands and upgrade kit because we know they work and that not everyone can afford to get the chin up bar. But you should know that P90X2 without pull up bar is slightly less effective on those particular workout moves that suggest it. The reason for this is because with the pull up bar, you are lifting your entire body weight. It’s the best resistance there is—working against your own weight. The resistance bands still require some strength and do put up some good resistance, however, it’s just slightly easier.

Resistance Bands as Your Go-To Strength Trainers

It would be great if everyone could have a well-equipped home gym, with everything from dumbbells to a mounted P90X2 chin up bar. But, that’s just not possible, and that’s where the resistance bands come in. Resistance bands offer a great strength training alternative that allow you to get the benefits of a weight or pull up bar workout, but without all of the equipment. They are highly portable and are stored easily, making them especially good for apartment living or traveling. Best of all, when you do the P90X2 workouts, you’ll see Tony and the others using resistance bands the entire time, giving you alternative ways to do P90X2 without pull up bar and even without dumbbells.