Lower body plyometrics require a stable, elevated platform for most of the jumping exercises. Commercially available plyometric steps range from simple wooden boxes to welded steel frames. While they're likely some of the least expensive pieces of equipment at a professional gym, they can still be budget busters if you want to incorporate plyometrics into your home workouts. Instead of investing in a pricey commercial ploymetric box, you can build your own using some basic carpentry skills and a minimum of materials.
Step 1
Cut a 4-foot by 6-foot piece of 3/4-inch plywood into six equal, 2-foot by 2-foot sections. Five of the sections will form the top and sides of your plyometric box. Keep the sixth section as a spare. For maximum structural sturdiness, use marine grade plywood for the project.
Step 2
Select one of the plywood pieces to use as the top of the box. Align an edge of one of the other pieces with the underside of an edge of the top, then secure it in place with 2-1/2 inch wood screws. Four equally spaced screws per side should do the job. Drive the screws into the side piece from the upward facing surface of the top. The sides of the box are attached underneath to support the top, so the impact of your plyometric exercises doesn't cause the screws to work loose and destroy the box.
Step 3
Repeat Step 2 for the edge of the top of the third piece of wood, positioned directly opposite the first side piece.
Step 4
Measure the distance between the inside edges of the two side pieces. Trim the two remaining side pieces to this width with a saw. Test fit them underneath the top, and sand them as needed to produce a square fit. Once you're sure they fit, secure them in place against the underside of the top with wood screws.
Step 5
Secure the side pieces to each other with wood screws. Drive the screws from the outward facing surfaces of the "long" sides into the edges of the side pieces that were trimmed to fit. Secure the bottom corner of each side, then space two more screws along the length of the side.
Step 6
Trim a 1/2-inch strip off all four edges of the rubber mat with a utility knife.
Step 7
Invert the box. Run fillets of wood glue along all of the inside joints on the top and sides. While you're waiting for the joints to dry, attach the rubber mat strips to the bottoms of the side pieces with super glue. Allow 15 minutes for the super glue to set.
Step 8
Set the box upright. Center the rubber mat on the top of the box and secure it in place with super glue.
Things You'll Need
- 4 by 6 sheet of 3/4-inch marine grade plywood
- Circular saw
- Carpenter's square
- Wood glue
- 2 1/2 inch wood screws
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- 2 by 2 foot piece of 1/4-inch rubber mat
- Steel ruler
- Utility knife
- Super glue
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