I don't know if anyone else here is into lifting. A few months before “the Bug” started my son had some medical issues which resulted in me making a pretty extensive home gym. I had a hard time getting to the gym and needed a more flexible option. I had always wanted a home gym anyways, and once “the Bug” closed down all the public gyms, I was sure glad I had completed my home gym prior. The training system I run involves maxing out on a variation of a squat, bench or deadlift each week. Therefore I have a pretty good variety of different barbells. I decided I wanted to put an overhead log into my rotation for upper body maxes. Not wanting to buy a strongman log, I decided to make my own. The first step was to find a suitable base. I found a 8" thick walled sewer pipe. I cut it to 6'6" long, cut two handholds, drilled four holes for the pipe handles to slide through, and cemented in a 2" steel pipe in each end. It was a challenge getting the metal pipes to stay in place (centered), and the correct length sticking past the end of the log while pouring the cement. I used 1/2" bolts that would later be encased in cement and have manila rope covering the head. I then painted the "log" brown to look more like a real log. Lastly I installed the 1.25" steel pipe handles, and the manila rope. I intended for it to weigh around 120-125 lbs empty. All told it ended up at 142 lbs. The concrete "plugs" in the end of the pipe that hold the sleeves in place are 12" deep. Trying it out I really like it. The neutral grip handles work your shoulders in a different way than a standard Olympic bar or an axle bar (my favorite).
Looks that log could really screw up a chainsaw I'll stick to my usual program of a pile of red oak and a 6 lb. maul.
That's pretty slick! And heavy for "bare bar"! We dont have one of those, but I did find a safety squat bar for my wife last year. Glad we were able to find a good amount of garage gym equipment over the last 2 years or so. That kinda stuff is hard to find now! Looks like you did some nice work on a squat rack too! And you've got chains...you seem pretty set!
Thanks. I run chains for my Dynamic Effort speed work. Sometimes as much as 100+ lbs of chain weight. I want to get some bands as well. A lot of the items in the gym I made. Squat rack which is set up for chin ups, floor press, and grip work, squat box, log, safeties, pulley system, a bunch of different handles and attachments, reverse hyper extension, etc. I have several specialty bars such as an axle bar, squat safety bar, swiss/football bar, trap bar/hex bar, curl bars, etc. I want to get a cambered squat bar next. Most of the stuff I bought used on Craigslist. The new stuff I got from Titan, which is not the best equipment out there, but the prices are good and the equipment is fine for me.
Very nice! Surely you put all that weight on the bar for photo op or to rearrange things? If you're pressing that you probably need one of those boot scrappers mounted to a sawhorse to wipe! Haha The last pic is the hyper extension? How are the legs supported/held? My wife wants one of those or the 45 deg angle. I will probably try to buy one...my woodworking skills are not in your 'class'... And I want her to survive the exercise haha!
The picture of the bench and safeties was to test the safeties. I loaded the barbell with pretty much all the weight I have, 515 lbs, to test them and make sure they wouldn't fail me. I cannot bench that, although I could squat or dead lift it. The reverse hyper in the last pic really helps put traction on your lower back if you do a lot of squatting or dead lifting, or anything that compresses the spine. My back feels great after doing 3 or 4 sets of RH's. The legs just set on the floor. The swinging "arm" pivots on a 5/8" rod. Titan gets about $600 for there version, and Rogue gets about $800. I built mine with lumber I had for free. You can get a 45 degree back extension for about $160 from Titan. It doesn't offer all the benefits that a RH does, but its a lot cheaper and takes up a lot less room. The main issue is even if people have the money, everything is either sold out or on back order because of “the Bug.”
Yeah, I was trying to get wife some 10 lb technique plates at a reasonable price, and they're all gone. Who would have ever thought there'd ever be such a run on fitness equipment! I'm (we're) definitely not interested in a $600-800 one. So i just googled a reverse. Never seen one of those...my brain didn't comprehend the reverse part while ago. I'm used to the standard, or roman chair. The reverse looks interesting...almost like it could easily be turned into a midevil torture contraption...
The Reverse Hyper was invented by a very well known strength coach and former power lifter Louie Simmons. He is the owner of Westside Barbell. They have, as far as I know, the most world record holders of any gym. He uses conjugate training which is the system I use. He invented the RH to rehab his previously broken back. The way it stretches you and puts traction on the spine is unlike anything I've ever done. It enabled him to lift again and get to very impressive numbers again even by power lifting standards.
It looks very interesting. Surprised it doesn't put strain on the lower back. I guess like anything you need to ease into it...
