More DIY – On Slam Balls and Tabata Sets

Before I discuss what a slam ball is, we need to explain the context in which such a training tool is used. And the context is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and specifically, Tabata intervals.
What is a tabata interval? It is a High Intensity Interval Training protocol originally devised by Dr. Izumi Tabata to increase [...]

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Moar DIY – On Sandbag Training

One of the most most priced posessions I have is a sandbag I build following Ross Enamait’s sandbag construction kit. As it is my nature to deviate from instructions and basically wing it, I added a few twists in its construction which allowed me to use to use less plastic bags. Ross suggests to use [...]

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Moar DIY Stuff – On Ham Raises

As I continue my trajectory accross the realms of Do-It-Yourself training equipment, I keep finding more and more ways to exploit the home-made crap I already have. Case in point, glute-ham raises.

This is a brutal, yet effective exercise for developing knee flexion strenght. Nothing hits the hamstrings during knee flexion as this one. Furthermore, it [...]

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Home Rings No Workie (The Way I Wanted Them To Work)

OK, some things didn’ t work as planned. One of these were the rings I made (previously discussed here.). Despite the fact these were filled with chains, they bent and lost their shape while doing dips. A partial solution was to fill them up with sand (while sealing the ends with a glue gun.)

But [...]

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Parte Tres: Do-It-Yourself Stuff with PVC, Chains and this Time, Lumber… and Crap

Alright meat-heads.
Following my last post on the subject, this is the third installment of this crap I’ve been doing for the last couple of weeks. The fact of the matter is that my g/f and I have already signed and mailed our cancellation forms to LA Fitness. Screw them. The only thing we’ll miss [...]

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Parte Dos : Do-It-Yourself Stuff with PVC, Chains, Tires, Belts, Ropes, Bands and Crap

Following the trail of thought started here, we explore how to turn a lowly, humble and disposed tire into a fine piece of physical training equipment. I shit you not, it is possible… and no, I’m not running a spell-checker on this thing!!!
The Humble Tire
Originally I though I needed a piece of lumber with a [...]

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Do-It-Yourself Stuff with PVC, Chains, Tires, Belts, Ropes, Bands and Crap

Well, I’ve had some free time in the last couple of days, so I decided to make some shit at home. The first thing was a pair of rings, these ones made with PVC pipes and chains (I stole that idea from Ross Enamait’s forums.)
I haven’t hung this stuff yet – I’m installing some swing [...]

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My New CoC, 140lbs Hand Gripper

Te he, see what I just arrived to my desk

I’m quite happy with my #1 Captain Of Crunch (CoC) 140lbs gripper, but not so with the IMTUG (which is also a #1). I overstimated the thoughness of the IMTUG #1 – I can do 40-something reps with my ring and little fingers and [...]

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How To Build a 2″ Thickbar Dumbbell

Take a typical, pedestrian dumbbell, for example. Two lumps of weights at either side of the bar, held together by a skinny piece of metal. No matter how heavy it is, you don’t really need to work your hand to grab it. Curl your fingers and let the weight rest in the palm and metatarsal.
So [...]

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