How to Build Your Own Leg Press

Gym memberships are getting more and more expensive, and it is time-consuming just to drive there and back home. The best thing to do is to find ways to exercise and lift weights around home. It is much easier to find ways to walk and run than it is to properly lift weight at home -- and then you are back to spending money again. However, some exercise equipment can be made quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal barrel
  • Chain
  • 5-foot metal rod, 1-inch diameter
  • Weight plates
  • Beach lounge chair
  • Seat cushions
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a level area you can hang a metal barrel from, such as a tree with a level, thick branch, or an unused door frame in your basement.

    • 2

      Set up your beach chair in the position for you to sit in it to do a proper leg press. You need the back lowered, your hips in line with your back, your knees in line with your hips and a straight line to your heel. Put the seat cushions in the beach chair.

    • 3

      Bang out two even indentations for where you want your feet to rest on the side of the metal barrel. These indentations will keep your feet from moving.

    • 4

      Make even holes on opposite ends of the metal barrel 1-inch wide. Run the metal rod through the middle of the barrel. Approximately 6 inches of the rod should stick out on each side.

    • 5

      Attach the chains on top of the barrel, 1 foot away from each side of the barrel. Find where you indented your foot marks; that will be the side facing you -- the top should be 45 degrees up from those spots.

    • 6

      Hang the barrel low enough for you to be able to place your feet on it evenly while properly sitting in the padded beach chair. Wrap the chain around wherever it is hanging from and then snap it back onto itself. This way if someone else wants to use the leg press, you can simply alter the height of the barrel.

    • 7

      Sit in your chair, place your feet in the indented barrel and press up. Do not lock out your knees. Slowly bring the weight back to you. If you need more weight on this leg press, evenly add weight plates to the metal rods on both sides of the barrel.