How to Make Your Own Gym Equipment

Don't let the cost of exercise equipment deter you from starting a fitness routine. You can make your own ab bench, dumbbells, resistance band and pull-up bar in a short amount of time for very little money.

Things You'll Need

• Wood plank
• Metal piping
• Elastic band
• Milk cartons
• Plastic bottles
• Water, sand or pebbles

Instructions

Making an Ab Bench

1. Take a piece of flat, durable wood and lean it against a bench. Lie down on it to determine if it will comfortably hold your weight.

2. Attach a piece of piping to the end of the plank. Position it so that you can stabilize your feet underneath it as you do your crunches. For extra stability, secure the board directly to the bench.

3. Lean the board at different angles to increase the difficulty of the crunches. When the board is horizontally flat, the crunches are easier. When the feet are raised, the crunches become more difficult

Making Weights

1. Fill two plastic milk jugs with water. These can be used as freehand weights.

2. Insert a piece of pipe through the jug handles to create dead lifts. Fill the cartons with sand or pebbles to increase the weight. Do your best to keep the weight even on both sides.

3. Fill two small plastic bottles fill with water, dirt or pebbles. Use them to do curls. It helps if the bottles have a sports grip for extra comfort.

Making a resistance band

1. Cut an elastic band approximately 12 inches long. Make sure the band is slack when you cut it..

2. Sew the two ends of the band together or tie them off.

3. Slide the band around your ankles. Keep one foot in place and stretch the other against the resistance of the band. This technique can also be used to strengthen your arms.

Making a chin-up bar

1. Take two pieces of rectangular-shaped wood and spread them 3 feet apart. The wood should be approximately 2 feet long and resemble a small chair or table leg. Lay a piece of pipe evenly across the wood and secure it on each end. Your device should resemble a boxy U shape.

2. Measure the top lip of a steady door frame or the bottom of a deck to ensure that your head has room to clear the pull-up bar.

3. Attach the pull-up bar structure securely to the door frame or deck. It must be tight enough to hold your body weight without shaking. Make sure the pipe is facing downward and that there is enough room to grip it with both hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Running and performing exercises such as sit-ups, jumping jacks and aerobics are good cost-free additions to your fitness regimen.

• Consult your physician before starting a new fitness routine.