Dip Belt

I'm sure you've seen this on the net before. I did not create this design. This is going to be a bit of a hybrid post. Part DIY project, part review of a DIY project. I'll show you how to make this popular internet design, as well as review it so you can decide if it's right for you before you go through the (minimal) hassle of making it.

Dip Stands

Today I'll show you how to construct a space saving dip station. You can use scrap wood to keep the cost down. This is another project that can end up being free or very cheap, while at the same time recycling old material. These are an addition to the saw horse safety stands. This was an old project but I have since refined and significantly improved it.

Weight Storage Rack

Are your weights just lying around on the floor? This is unacceptable by Homemade Strength standards. Remedy the situation on your day off. It's cheap. It's easy. and it will make your gym that much more proper. This is an example of a project that doesn't have an exact commercial equivalent and it's still cheaper than similar commercial options.

2011 Rogue Do-Win Review

There are many options when it comes to weightlifting footwear. You can buy any one of numerous shoes made specifically for weightlifting. You could also buy common shoes that have a hard sole, like Chuck Taylors. Or you could outright go barefoot, though most commercial gyms will frown on that. While I'm no shoe expert, this is my review of the 2011 Rogue Do-Win lifting shoes.

The strongest bench you'll never buy

Pulling off DIY projects like this is what makes everything worth it. When you can produce something that is so dirt cheap and yet so effective at its purpose, it just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In this project, I'll show you how to make a weight bench that is strong and incredibly cheap. This is what DIY is all about.

Micro-Loading

This would seem to be the perfect DIY project candidate. There are numerous ways to micro-load. Today we're going to take a look at some of the popular options to see if it's really worth it. You can buy fractional plate sets for $50 online, plus shipping. This is going to be our price point. We not only have to get cheaper than $50, we have to get much cheaper. Otherwise, it's just not worth it. Can we do it? Let's find out.

Saw Horse Safety Stands

You don't always have to make everything from scratch. By combining DIY with store bought products you can make custom items in nearly no time. Today, I'll show you how to use saw horses to effectively turn your Squat Stands into a power rack. For about $50 you not only add many lifts to your home gym repertoire, you also make everything completely safe, with no need for a spotter.

More than just squat stands

Though these stands have been posted online before, I aim to improve upon existing internet plans to combine the squat stand and the bench press. It's more like a portable power rack at this point. Whatever it is, it's only about $50 and is strong enough to support a quarter ton, or even more.

Spacer Plates: the quest for mid-shin height

Learn how to raise any bar to the proper height for pulls off the floor. This project eliminates the need to use the big plates, and thus add 90 lbs. to the bar, to achieve the correct bar height. By saving scraps from other projects, you can make these for absolutely FREE.

Foam rolling is for church moms

The foam roller is the perfect DIY project. Not only can you make it better than commercial options, you can make it for 1/3 of the price. It takes only 20 minutes, if that, and even a child possesses the necessary skills to complete it.

Dislocate your shoulder on the cheap

Today I'll show you how to make a simple tool that will assist you when performing the mobility exercise known as shoulder dislocations. Better yet, it takes less than ten minutes and costs only a buck. Alternatively, you could use any number of household objects if you have them.