The gear shop

Get the setup

You don't need a gym. You need a bar, a rope, and a decision. Here's the gear behind the 45 + 90 program, the recovery, the 5 AM ritual and the Damn Daddy look. Grab a bundle, start with a kit, or shop by category.

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The bar: build it, or have it built

A backyard pull-up rig is the one piece of gear the whole system runs on. Two ways to get one: build it yourself, or bring in a dad who already knows how.

Build your own (weekend project)

A simple two-post rig: pressure-treated 6x6 posts set in concrete, a steel pipe crossbar. No welding, no special tools beyond a post-hole digger and a level.

What you need

Two 6x6x10' pressure-treated posts · one 1.5" schedule-40 galvanized steel pipe, cut to your span (7-8' between posts is typical) · two floor-mount pipe flanges rated for the pipe size · 8-10 bags concrete mix · galvanized lag bolts or carriage bolts · gravel for drainage · post-hole digger or auger, level, tape measure, saw

The build

  1. Dig two holes 8-10" wide and at least 24-30" deep (deeper in cold climates, below your local frost line) spaced to match your bar length.
  2. Add 3-4" of gravel to each hole for drainage before the post goes in.
  3. Set the posts, brace them plumb with scrap wood, and check level on two sides.
  4. Pour concrete around each post, sloping the top away from the post so water runs off. Let it cure a full 48-72 hours before loading it.
  5. Mount a pipe flange to the inside face of each post at the same height, then set the pipe into both flanges and bolt it through.
  6. Before your first pull-up: hang your bodyweight slowly and check both posts for movement. Nothing should flex.

Safety: call 811 (or your local utility line locator) before you dig, anywhere. Depth and concrete requirements vary by frost line and local code — check with your municipality if you're not sure. This is a general guide, not an engineered plan; if anything about your soil, span, or local code gives you doubt, get it checked before you hang from it.

Or have a local dad install it

Don't want to dig holes on a Saturday? Leave your info and we'll connect you with a contractor in the dads-supporting-dads network near you.

We're building out the contractor network now — leave your info and we'll follow up personally as soon as someone's available in your area. No spam, no obligation.