Home gyms can be an inexpensive investment for fitness minded folks who want quality workouts without having to pay expensive monthly dues. Many pieces of fitness equipment can be made at home with a little know-how, then combined with some simple and inexpensive store-bought pieces to complete your setup. Weights and pull-up bars are simple projects to address the strength component of many home workouts, and for those interested in adding agility skills to their routines, an agility ladder and a set of step hurdles can provide an ample solution.
Instructions
1. Measure and cut two 15-foot lengths of cord or trim to form the sides of the ladder. Lay them on the floor, parallel to each other, about a foot or so apart. If desired, wrap the ends of the side lengths in athletic tape to keep them from fraying or unraveling.Measure the remaining cord or trim in 36-inch lengths and cut. Set aside. Measure roughly 17 inches from the bottom and top of each 15-foot side length and mark with the marker. These are the "open boxes" at the beginning and end of the ladder.
2. Lay each 36-inch strip perpendicular to the 15-foot lengths, starting at the 17-inch mark and working your way upwards, laying strips at every 17-inch increment. Wrap each intersection of the 36-inch pieces to the 15-foot lengths with about 15 to 20 inches of the canvas thread, wrapping in an over/under figure-eight motion to form a solid joint.
3. For the step hurdles, measure and cut the large piece of PVC into 10 12-inch sections. Set aside. Measure and cut the 7-foot PVC pipe into 20 4-inch sections. Set aside. Measure and cut the remaining 7-foot piece into the following increments: two 12-inch sections, two 10-inch, two 8-inch, two 6-inch, and two 4-inch sections.
4. Attach an elbow joint to the end of each of the original 10 12-inch sections. Divide the varied size pieces by pairs according to their lengths. Insert each 12-inch piece into a piece with the elbow joints. Continue attaching the 10-, 8-, 6-, and 4-inch pairs into the remaining 12-inch elbow pieces. Attach a T joint onto the bottoms of the paired sections. Insert one four inch piece into each of the holes on the T joints. Finish by attaching end caps on the ends of the 4- inch sections.
5. The old method of using tires for foot speed drills is still in use. Line the tires flush against one another in a straight line, and afterwards the tires can be neatly stacked for ease of storage.
Tags: piece into, 12-inch sections, 15-foot lengths, aside Measure, 4-inch sections, cord trim, Measure remaining