Many systems for hanging exercise equipment consist of a sturdy mount above the ceiling or in a wall. Some manufacturers produce hangers for attaching their equipment to overhead steel beams and wood ceiling joist. Wall mount systems can be employed to hang certain types of equipment and create additional space for floor exercises. Wood blocks with eye bolts or hooks are used to suspend punching bags and hang pulleys for equipment cables. Plaster and drywall can be removed to expose the framing in ceilings and walls, and patched once the hanger is installed.
Step 1
Mark ceiling at the center of the exercise area and transfer this mark to the floor with a plumb bob. Use a stud finder and mark the ceiling joist at either side of the center mark on the ceiling. Mark a square on the ceiling for a cutout between the ceiling joist. Cut the drywall or plaster with a utility knife and use the hammer to remove the cutout section.
Step 2
Cut two pieces of 2-inch-by-4-inch utility lumber 16 inches long. Drill 3/8-inch pilot holes in the 4-inch wide face of each piece. The holes should be 2 inches from the ends and centered between the edges. Start 1/4-inch lag screws with washers into each of the pilot holes.
Step 3
Hold one of the 2-inch-by-4-inch pieces in place against an exposed ceiling joist with the lag screws facing into the cutout opening. Flush the long edge of the piece with the bottom edge of the ceiling joist. Use a socket and ratchet to drive the lag screws and attach the piece to the joist. Repeat this step to attach the other 16-inch long piece at the opposite side of the opening.
Step 4
Cut a piece of 2-inch-by-6-inch utility lumber as a flat block that spans between the ceiling joist. Lay the block on top of the 2-inch-by-4-inch pieces. Use the plumb bob to transfer the center mark on the floor to the face of the 2-inch-by-6-inch block.
Step 5
Drill a 1/4-inch hole at the center mark on the face of the block. Insert a 3/8-inch diameter threaded eye bolt or steel hook through the hole. Put a washer on the threaded end and use a box wrench to tighten the nut and secure the hardware to the wood block.
Step 6
Drill 3/18-inch pilot holes for lag screws into the face of the block at each end. The holes should be 1/2 inch from the ends of the block and 1 1/2 inches from the edges. Lay the block in place atop the 16 inch long pieces with the eye bolt or hook facing down.
Step 7
Insert lag screws with washers into the pilot holes on top of the block. Tighten the lag screws using the socket and ratchet. Attach the chain or strap for a punching bag to the eye bolt, or hang a pulley from the hook. Patch the drywall or plaster to close the ceiling.
Tips and Warnings
- Install two flat blocks when mounting a pair of pulleys on a wall or ceiling. Install vertical blocks that extend below the ceiling and fit a pull up bar between the blocks.
- Have a spotter when working on a ladder.
Things You'll Need
- A-frame ladder
- Plumb bob
- Stud finder
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- 2-inch-by-4-inch utility lumber
- Circular saw
- Electric drill
- 3/8-inch drill bit
- 1/4-inch diameter lag screws with washers
- Socket and ratchet
- 2-inch-by-6-inch utility lumber
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- 3/8-inch eye bolt or threaded hook with nut and washer
- Box wrench
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