Homemade Leg press machine

[BumbleBeeCivic]

Has anyone seen plans for a homemade leg press machine?

Everytime I mention it, most people get nervous because they think it could be dangerous if its not built correctly.

I agree, so i wonder if it can be done without any weight above me?

[A790]

Don't do it. Unless you know you could build it so that it was smooth, as in gym quality, why bother? Just go to a gym or buy one.

[buh_buh]

why not just squat

[BumbleBeeCivic]

You make some good points, but its also fun just to talk about these thing. Every once in while I'll find an idea that is so good, it becomes my next DIY project.

I was drooling at how well this might work on my bottom pulley.



But $600 is too rich for me. I think with some creative help, I might be able to find a simpler idea that is cheap.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

Originally posted by buh_buh
why not just squat

I like all of the good things that I read about squats. But I have a bad back from a car accident.

I'm a wimp at squats. My squats are only 30lbs heavier than my benchpress.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

what do you think of a chair attached to the bottom pulley, if I could strap a skateboard under the chair>

My feet could go on the same 4x4 post that I use to do seated rows.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

I also have a mechanics creeper, maybe it would be safer to ly on it?

I think a block of wood on each shoulder would make it a hack squat.

[dezmarez]

haven't you seen the kimbo slice video with LT....
you tube it and just copy him!!

[A790]

Originally posted by BumbleBeeCivic


I like all of the good things that I read about squats. But I have a bad back from a car accident.

I'm a wimp at squats. My squats are only 30lbs heavier than my benchpress.

So? I can benchpress more than I can squat right now. It's not about the weight, it's about doing it right and pushing YOUR limits.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

http://exercise.about.com/od/lowerbo...rchairsit3.htm

I could do these kind of squats. Does anyone know where I can buy a yellow watermelon?

[James]

....that's all i needed to say, sorry...you are joking right?

[BumbleBeeCivic]

Originally posted by James
....that's all i needed to say, sorry...you are joking right?

yup, it was Saturday night, I was having a drink.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

this is a work in progress, lots of details to work out.

comments and suggestion are welcomed.

[codo]

That doesn't look very balanced to me, it almost seems like if you put a weight on one side the thing may just tip to that side. Maybe another cross bar in the middle under the seat would be a good idea.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

has anyone tried one of these?

[Little Dragon]

Not a fan of that plating for the press.
Looks too thin, and under the amount of stress from the weights, looks like it will bend over-time and possibly snap on you.
I've never tried that thin so I'm not one to judge though.

Safety is a big factor though.
If you know you can build it and it will operate safely, then by all means go for it.

But I would just suggest buying one or invest the money in a gym membership instead.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gErr0...eature=channel

this guy as an interesting way to build a leg press machine.

this video is worth watching, he's using maybe 400lbs but he's doing so damn honest reps with it. I've seen jack#sses lift 2000 lbs but barely bend their knees.

this guy is for real.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

The wooden gym of carlos de jesus.

http://revver.com/video/1261020/tour...arlos-dejesus/

very impressive, but you'll note that there isn't a leg press machine in there

[BumbleBeeCivic]

Hows this look?

I'm looking for something cheap, simple, yet safe. And, I think this fits my needs.

It's made out of 4x4 posts. and by adjusting the hinge height, I think I can use it to do squats or vertical leg press. I'm sorry, but I didn't draw the should pads or foot plate on the lever.

If I adjust the cable properly, the weight reaches the floor just an inch or two lower than I would go during my routine.

I can also hang a cable ( not shown) that holds the lever for me so I don't have to grab it and lower it to the floor.

Also, for the plates, I was thinking of building something out of concrete that is suitable for warmup, then I add additional plates to do my routine. I like this idea because a bag of concrete is way cheaper than buying all the extra steel plates that I'll need.



So what do you guys think?

Any comments or suggestions are welcome. even if they are criticisms.

[BumbleBeeCivic]

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