Besides fitness, woodworking is another hobby that can be practical, enjoyable and healthy. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to combine the two (and no, we’re not talking about trying to DIY while exercising – we don’t recommend trying that!).
More and more people are choosing to exercise at home. In addition to saving money on gym memberships, it can also give you the freedom to customize your fitness space however you see fit. A home (or backyard) gym is the perfect place to showcase a variety of unique and functional fitness-related woodworking projects. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration.
Note: Protective measures such as safety glasses, face masks and ear defenders are advised for all DIY woodworking projects.
Plyometric box jump
Plyometric jump boxes are cube-shaped boxes used for plyometric exercises, ideal for developing strength and agility. Jump Boxes are available in different heights, allowing you to adjust the intensity of your workout. Before you build one, why not use one at your local gym to determine the ideal dimensions for your perfect workout?
All you need for this project is sturdy plywood, wood screws, wood glue (usually polyurethane). or PVA glue) and standard tools like a saw, drill, and tape measure. In addition to PVA glue holding plywood sheets together so they can be screwed together, it is also an extremely powerful adhesive. The combination of correctly shaped wooden pieces, strong PVA glue and carefully placed wood screws makes the box strong enough to withstand all kinds of jumping and body weight.
For more details and guided steps, this Medium article gives instructions on how to build a plyometric jump box.
Balance board
Balance boards are used to improve stability, core strength and overall balance. They can come in many different shapes and sizes, but most involve a flat board resting on a fulcrum or rounded bottom. You can use a balance board for squatsswinging exercises and in conjunction with other exercises.
For this project you will need plywood, tape, screws, oil, saw (a jigsaw is recommended), drill with countersink, multi-sander with sheet abrasive and usual protective measures.
This guide from Bosch gives detailed steps on building a wooden balance board.
Training bench
A workout bench is one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment. In its simplest form, it can be a basic four-legged bench. However, adjustable incline benches and all-in-one bench and weight rack solutions are also very common. Workout benches are typically used for barbell and barbell weightlifting exercises, such as traditional chest and shoulder press exercises. You can also use them for bodyweight exercises like step-ups!
You can use a workout bench in conjunction with weight racks (mentioned later in this article), or even design an all-in-one bench and rack solution. As long as you follow the correct safety procedures (when constructing and using the bench and/or stand), you can really use your imagination with this project and customize it specifically for you.
There are many popular workout bench models out there, so why not check out a few and figure out what’s best for you? This adjustable incline weight bench project by Autodesk Instructables is just one example of many.
Racks and supports
If you want your home gym space to be organized and functional, you’ll likely need racks and racks for dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and other equipment like medicine balls and yoga mats. You can choose from wall-mounted or freestanding racks and brackets.
With racks and stands, you can experiment with designs and customize them based on your physical space, your aesthetic preferences, and the specific size, shape, and weight of the equipment you own. The important thing is to make sure your racks and supports will support the weight of the equipment, so it’s worth doing some research here.
Frames and parallels
Parallettes are used for bodyweight exercises like push-ups and dips and can be customized to your preferred height and dimensions. These can be as simple as two free-standing wooden bars, or can even make a larger frame. You can even build a wooden frame to hang gymnastic rings on for upper body exercises. like pull-ups and ring dips.
A final note
When carrying out these projects, it is essential to prioritize safety. Not only should you use protective equipment like safety glasses, earmuffs, and face masks where appropriate, but you should also do the necessary research to ensure that your finished projects are safe to use and will withstand the weights for which they were built. has. With the right steps, you can build fitness equipment that rivals that of your local gym!
