I've been trying to build some muscle - not body building but just to keep some strength as I get older. Been doing push-ups, sit-ups (which sounds like I should be doing planks instead so learning how to them), walks/bikes.

I came across a suggestion to do pull-ups and hanging from a bar. This can help build certain muscles, improve grip strength and also decompress the spine (lumbar).

If this sounds advisable / recommendable by those of you who are more health educated, any suggestions for a good set-up?

I looked at the doorway models that hang from the top of doorway and I'm a little leery about the quality and safety - both for myself and the door frame. Mostly myself. I'd prefer not to screw something into the door frame or wall.

I see that there are standalone stations for about $150 but not sure if they are any good / stable. If I go this route, prefer something with a smaller footprint since I don't have much space.

Any recommendations for type and brand / model? Nothing is familiar to me other than the brands I see at the gym.

Hopefully I can buy something used from CL or a used sporting good store.

This is a solid unit if you have access to a basement I-beam. It is very sturdy, made in the USA, and a bit pricy. I weigh 170 and and feel that it would support much more. Our beams are 8'4" so I need a 12" step to reach it. It is secured to the beam with bolts and no drilling or other modifications are required.

https://www.promountings.com/c...s/i-beam-pull-up-bar

Do you have room in your garage above the service door?

Mounting one there isn’t a big deal.

Or you can do a DYI project in the back yard.
Make it out of “black pipe” (steel pipe used for natural gas). This way you can do pull ups and dips (working triceps and back) as well.

I use a stand-alone pull-up/dip station that I picked up on Marketplace a few years ago. I saved a bunch of money buying used, and it’s more than sturdy enough for me @ 200 lbs.