Homemade suspension trainer
Last Updated on Sunday, 19 June 2011 14:25 Written by Michael Sunday, 19 June 2011 14:15
OK, first off, let me get this disclaimer out of the way:
Based on my own personal use heretofore, these should be perfectly safe. However, be smart and be safe and understand that, if you do choose to make these and use them, you are doing so at your own risk.
With that said...
You've probably seen suspension trainers on various websites and YouTube videos or even at the gym you go to and thought "Wow, those are wicked awesome, I'd like a set." So thinking, you probably researched them on the net and found that they are, to use a precise economics term, hella pricey. Do you really NEED to spend $100+ for a set of suspension trainers? I'm going to say no. Come to it, do you really NEED a suspension trainer at all? Well, no. But they are fun, versatile, and can add needed variety and challenge to your workout, even for advanced athletes. But, if you're on a budget, they can be a bit prohibitive. Here's how to make your own for around $15 USD.
Here's what you'll need:
2 cam buckle tie-down straps. Mine are rated to tie down up to 300 lbs. each. I could have, and probably should have, gotten thicker ones. These will run you about $6 USD.
2 pieces of 3/4" Schedule 40 non-metallic electrical conduit bent at 90 degrees.
Approx. 10' of 1/2" boat rope
Instructions:
Cut approx. 3.5' pieces off the rope (test this first to make sure the length is what you'll need. Too long can always shortened; the reverse is not true). Thread one piece through each piece of conduit. Tie the ends together. I used a bowline knot as it tightens under pressure and doesn't slip. You can find how to tie a bowline knot here.
Loop a tie-down strap through each handle that you've fashioned out of the conduit and boat rope. There you go!
A thoroughly non-evil use for for petroleum products
The safest place to attach these is probably a non-abrasive surface like the parallel bars or monkey bars of a playground.
There are many suspension trainer workouts on YouTube
(such as this one )
as well as several other tutorials on how to make your own suspension trainers, if mine don't float your boat.
Have fun, be safe, get out there and rock it!