Homemade Speed Bag Platforms

A speed bag is a beneficial piece of exercise equipment for anyone looking to build strength, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Speed bags are available for purchase at most sporting goods stores and can be mounted in a variety of different ways. Building a homemade platform is not complicated and can save you money. Remember to contact your physician before beginning any exercise routine and see if a speed bag workout is right for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring Tape
  • Level
  • Lumber
  • Wood Screws
  • Drill Gun
  • Stool
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Instructions

  1. Building a Speed Bag Platform

    • 1

      Locate a secure pair of rafters in a basement or attic. Attic rafters, for example, are spaced 24 inches apart. Because of their downward slope, rafters shaped at acute angles are easiest to access. Choose two sturdy, adjacent rafters near the middle of the attic floor. Inspect rafters for water damage or rot. If you notice any damage, select alternate rafters. The platform will be installed on the rafters at eye level.

    • 2

      Measure and cut two 3 feet long, identical pieces of 2-by-4 lumber. These 3 ft. lumber pieces will act as your vertical support beams. Screw the first vertical support beam into one rafter and the second vertical support beam into the adjacent rafter.

      Note: The top of each vertical support beam is screwed in at each rafter's center point. Each beam should be screwed in on a vertical line with one end aiming straight up and the other end straight down. Level and measure each vertical support to ensure the beams are aligned. The bottom of each vertical support beam should end at eye level.

    • 3

      Measure the distance between each vertical support beam. If the distance is 2.5 ft., for example, cut another piece of 2-by-4 lumber to match that dimension. This 2.5 ft. piece of lumber will act as a horizontal, front support beam. Place the horizontal front support beam flush against the front side of each vertical support beam. The front support beam must be flush with the bottom of the vertical support beams as well. There should be no overhang, so make sure that one beam end is not installed below or above another.

    • 4

      Measure the distance from the bottom sides of each vertical support beam to the center point of the rafters. If the distance is 2 ft., for example, cut two additional pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to match these dimensions. These 2 ft. pieces of lumber will act as horizontal, side support beams. Screw one end of the first horizontal side support beam flush against the outside of one of the vertical support beams. Screw the opposite end into the center of the rafter.

      Repeat the same procedure with the remaining horizontal support beam and remaining vertical support beam and rafter. The front ends of both horizontal support beams must be flush with the bottom of each vertical support beam. Make sure there is no overhang.

    • 5

      Level all support brackets. Adjust if necessary until all brackets are level.

    • 6

      Measure and cut six identical 4-by-1 wooden planks. The planks will act as the base of the platform from which the speed bag will hang. Screw each plank into the underside of the horizontal side support beams. Planks should press flush against each other from side-to-side. Six 4-in. wide planks side-by-side equals 24 in -- or 2 ft., the exact length of each horizontal side support beam.