How to Make Your Own Ab Straps

All-in-one stations are versatile pieces of equipment designed to save space and eliminate the need to move to different machines. Some workout stations feature a weight and cable system with a different handle for each workout, while others more closely resemble a stationary jungle gym. You can use ab straps with either style of workout station as long as there is a clear point of attachment and ample room for movement. Always check these two conditions, as well as the wear and tear of the ab straps themselves before each workout for safety.

Things You'll Need

  • 7 feet, 2-inch wide nylon webbing
  • 1/2-inch urethane foam
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Candle
  • Matches
  • Sink
  • Chalk
  • Fabric glue
  • Sewing machine
  • Heavy-duty thread
  • 2 D-shaped carabiner clips with screw lock rated for your weight
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 3 1/2-foot length of nylon webbing and a rectangular piece of foam 1 1/2 feet long and 4 inches wide.

    • 2

      Seal the ends of the webbing by melting them over a flame. Place a lit candle inside of a sink and hold the webbing near but not directly in the flame. Move the webbing back and forth in a sawing motion and then remove from the heat. Turn on the water and douse the candle if the flame becomes unmanageable.

    • 3

      Lay the webbing on a flat surface. Measure 2 inches in from the left and then from the right side. Place a chalk mark at each location.

    • 4

      Apply glue to the first inch of the webbing at both ends. Fold the ends of the webbing over at the 2-inch marks. This will create a 1-by-2-inch patch with glue and a 1-inch-long loop at either end of the webbing. Dry the webbing overnight.

    • 5

      Stitch a square pattern around the glued area to secure. Finish the seam by forming an "X" across the square stitches. Do not stitch over the 1-inch loop at the end of the webbing.

    • 6

      Measure along the length of the webbing starting at the raw edge of the strip, 2 inches from the end. Mark out 7 inches from the edge on both the right and left sides. This will mark off a 1 1/2-foot-wide section in the middle of the webbing where the foam should be placed.

    • 7

      Apply glue to the 1 1/2-foot section of webbing. Press the foam rectangle onto the area, lining it up with the marks. Move the foam up or down so that there is a 1-inch overhang on the top and bottom of the webbing. Dry overnight.

    • 8

      Flip over the strap so that the foam is on the bottom and the webbing is on top. Sew along the length of the webbing where it meets the foam, forming three evenly spaced lines that are 1/4 inch from the edges of the webbing and along the center line.

    • 9

      Turn the strap so that the three parallel seams are horizontal. Sew two vertical seams up the right side, perpendicular to the parallel seams, and 1/4 inch from the side of the foam, spaced 1/4 inch apart. Repeat at the left side of the webbing and again in the center.

    • 10

      Open the carabiner clips and hook them onto the end of the webbing through the 1-inch loop at either end.

    • 11

      Repeat Steps 1 to 10 to create a second ab strap.

    • 12

      Attach the straps to a pull-up bar. Hold the strap with the foam side up. Open the clip, fit it over the pull-up bar and close it again. Insert your arms through the foam-padded loops and grip the webbing under the carabiner clip.