Weightlifting is a good way to build muscle mass and strength. Often, many of the exercises which use weights will require you to sit or lay down in order to work muscles which you might be able to tone otherwise. To do this, you will need a workout bench. While these benches can be purchased at any sporting goods store, consider building your own. Not only will this save you money, you will be able to make the bench to your exact specifications.
Step 1
Place the two pieces of 2-by-6 on a flat building surface so they are laying on their 6 inch side. Make sure they are parallel and the 2 inch sides of the boards are touching. This is the top of the bench.
Step 2
Measure 20 inches along the 2-by-6 and draw a line with the pencil at this mark. This is the center of the bench top. Place a piece of 11 inch 2-by-4 on the bench top so the 4 inch side of the 2-by-4 is laying over both boards and is centered over the line you drew. Drive screws through the top of the bench into the 2-by-4 support beam.
Step 3
Place a piece of 11 inch 2-by-4 in the corner of the bench top so one of the ends of the 2-by-4 is against the 6 inch side of one of the 2-by-6 pieces. This is a bench leg. Drive screws through the bench top into the ends of the 2-by-4 to attach the leg to the bench. Repeat this step for the other three legs of the bench.
Step 4
Set a piece of 11 inch 2-by-4 in the corner where the legs meet the bench top. This is a leg support. The 2 inch side of the 2-by-4 should be against the bottom of the bench and the 4 inch side should be set against the legs. Drive screws through the top of the bench and legs and into the support piece. Repeat this for the remaining piece of 2-by-4 on the other set of legs.
Tips and Warnings
- If 40 inches is too short or long for your body, cut the 2-by-6 to the appropriate length and then follow the directions. The process is the same no matter how long the 2-by-6 boards are.
Things You'll Need
- Two pieces of 2-by-6, 40 inches long
- 11 pieces of 2-by-4, 11 inches long
- 3 inch wood screws
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill with screwdriver bit
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