Since posting the original furniture slider video, I’ve received several follow up questions that I hope to clarify through the tutorial below.

The tutorial begins with a discussion about where to purchase the sliders and their longevity.  Several exercises are then demonstrated beginning at the 2:40 mark within the video.  Many of the exercises were not included in the original video from 2010.

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

The next time you complain about age, take a moment to think about Ida Keeling.  She did not start running until age 67 and she’s still going strong at 95.

A related article can be found here.

The idea is to die young as late as possible. – Ashley Montagu

November 2011 Update – Inexpensive straps from Strapworks are also ideal for suspension trainers (as seen here)

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Below is a new video tutorial that I recently filmed.  It shows how to create a suspension trainer from an inexpensive pair of cam-buckle tie-downs.  Most of the previous tutorials that I have featured on the blog required lashing straps.  Many readers have mentioned their inability to find quality lashing straps so tie-downs are one option to consider.

A sampling of exercises is also included (starting at approximately 5:22 within the video).

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As for this particular design, I use two separate straps.  Many popular suspension trainers utilize a single attachment point with double handles.  With such models, you only need to make a single adjustment when changing the height of the unit.  Personally, I prefer the separate straps however.  With separate straps, there is less rubbing on the skin when performing exercises such as dips and muscle-ups.  I also find the separate straps to be useful when performing inverted exercises such as handstand pushups (seen within the video).  Lastly, I find the single straps to be more convenient when performing single arm exercises such as the one-arm standing rollout.

Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference.  It would not be difficult to add another strap to this DIY model if you preferred a single anchor point.

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Additional exercise demonstrations can be found at the previous entries below:

Suspension Trainer Exercises I

Suspension Trainer Exercises II

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

I recently had someone email me about building an outdoor pull-up station.  An outdoor station is one piece of equipment that I haven’t actually built.  With a quick search of the web however, I came across the following video.  Within the clip, you’ll see a strong unit that appears quite easy to build.

The creators of the video also have a Part II.

Once again, getting in shape is not as complicated as many would like you to believe.  In many cases, a low-tech DIY project will offer as much (or more) than any commercial product or gym.  If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way…

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

As a youngster, Stefaan Engels was diagnosed with asthma and told to avoid strenuous exercise.   Fortunately, he did not heed the advice.

Now 49 years old, Stefaan recently finished running his 365th marathon in 365 days.   Yes, that is correct.  He ran a marathon every day for an entire year.  That’s 9,569 miles in the year, which means he averaged more than one mile for every hour in the day for a full year.  He wasn’t crawling either.  He averaged around 4 hours for each marathon, but ran as fast as 2 hours and 56 minutes.  His marathon stretch covered 7 countries.  He ran in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S.

Personally, I have little to no interest in marathon running, but I’m extremely impressed with Stefaan’s accomplishment.  There were days when he’d run a marathon and then rush to the airport so he could run in another country the next day.  Talk about consistency and dedication.

It is quite common to challenge yourself with difficult goals, yet become distracted as time passes.  Stefaan stayed on course every day for an entire year.  I’m sure there were difficult times for him, when he questioned whether he’d get up and continue.  He persevered however, one day at a time.

I first mentioned Stefaan’s goal to run a marathon every day for a year several months ago on Facebook.  Many chimed in with doubt, adamantly stating that it could not be done.  It’s nice to see that the critics have been silenced again.  Stefaan did what many thought was impossible.

Much can be said about his consistency.  Regardless of your interest (or lack of) in marathon running, we could all benefit from such determination and perseverance.  Hats off to Stefaan for an inspiring year of running.

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.

In a past entry, I showed how to build an inexpensive platform for sandbag loading.  The same platform that was used for loading can be easily upgraded to include a speed bag platform.  All that you’ll need to do is add a 2×2 piece of 3/4 inch plywood.  The plywood will be secured to small strips of 2×4 inch wood.

Below is a picture of the upgraded loading platform.

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You can see how the bottom has changed since the original entry in 2009.  Previously, there was just one piece of 2×4″ in the middle of the platform.

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When using the speed bag platform, you’ll want to add some weight to the top. The added weight will help to minimize shaking as you strike the bag.

As for height, this platform can be easily adjusted for young kids.  There is no limit as to how low you can place the platform.  I’ve always considered the speed bag to be more of a fun bag, so it is nice to be able to set this bag low enough for my kids to play with it.

A brief video demonstration can be seen below:

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

I’ve had a few questions come in about how to anchor a double end bag to a concrete floor.  Drilling into the floor may not be possible.  You also might not want the bag up permanently, thus prefer a mobile solution.  If this is the case, you can build an inexpensive double end bag anchor for a few dollars.  Commercial options are available for around $25.

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To build the anchor, all that you’ll need is an eye screw and a piece of scrap wood.

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I used a small piece of 2 x 10 inch wood.  You can start the screw manually, and then continue turning with a small piece of pipe (or something similar).  Stick the pipe through the opening in the eye screw and turn until it is secured.

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That’s it.  Just add a few 25 pound plates.  A larger 45 pound plate could also be used, but I prefer 25′s to minimize size.

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The anchor is secure and can be quickly removed when you are finished with the bag.

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below.

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

Below is an inspiring video that uses parkour to share a message which goes far beyond the utilitarian discipline.  It is well worth a look.  While the production quality is excellent, the message conveyed is even better.

Those new to the blog may also enjoy the past entry below.  The video within was created by the same producer.

http://rosstraining.com/blog/2009/12/02/choose-not-to-fall/

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It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. – Henry David Thoreau