In the home gym, most people make an earnest effort to go "back to basics." Instead of fancy, chrome machines for performing single-joint isolation exercises, they use barbells and power racks to perform multi-joint, compound-movement exercises. One of the most important pieces of equipment needed to lift weights safely is an appropriate location. The lifting platform is an ideal piece of gym equipment to make as a DIY equipment project. Because of the difficulty and expense of purchasing and shipping a commercial unit, building one at home is a good option. The lifting platform will help prevent damage to the surface of the floor in your home gym. The platform serves to help protect the joints of your lower body by providing a more flexible surface than the typical concrete floor in garage and basement gyms.
Step 1
Place two sheets of 3/4-inch CDX exterior-grade plywood on the ground, with the long sides touching. This base layer should be laid so that they are lengthwise to the direction you will stand when lifting.
Step 2
Lay the other two sheets CDX exterior-grade plywood side-by-side on top of the base layer, but perpendicular to the first two. This provides added strength and resilience. Use wood glue and screws to bind the two layers together. This will form the four sheets into a solid, single unit that is nearly impervious to damage.
Step 3
Place the two pieces of rubber on the sides of the platform where the plates on the barbell will rest when resting on the ground. Use high-strength cement adhesive to hold the rubber to the wood platform.
Step 4
Lay a fifth piece of plywood in the center of the lifting platform, between the rubber strips. This should be a piece of higher quality plywood to give a more finished appearance on the finished product. Use adhesive alone, without the wood screws, to hold this piece of plywood down to the platform.
Tips and Warnings
- Use treated, marine-grade CDX plywood. It is heavy duty and designed for the ruggedness of outdoor exposure. This means that it will better able to withstand the abuse of heavy weights dropping on it regularly. Perform various barbell exercises, from the barbell squat, power cleans, overhead presses and snatches on the lifting platform.
- Use of power tools can be hazardous. Please seek professional instruction and follow all safety rules when using power tools.
Things You'll Need
- 4 full sheets 3/4-inch CDX exterior-grade plywood
- 2 pieces of rubber, 1 inch by 2 feet by 8 feet
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- High-strength cement adhesive
- 1 sheet high-grade plywood
References
- "Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 2nd ed.;" Mark Rippetoe; 2007
- Iron Mind: Building a Lifting Platform
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