The "Little" Gym! Learn to Design for Your Needs

In this Instructable we will talk about the design process and how to create a work that fits your needs and your space. We will chat about the brainstorming process and thumbnails and how to dial a design in for your needs.

I this specific build wanted to design and build a durable and cheap all in one home gym with materials I had left over from a previous project. This Project is built from 1 and 1 quarter sheets of 3/4 inch ply wood and a few power tools. Nothing fancy about it but it serves many weight training uses and its very sturdy. It also takes up very little space. For those of you keeping track at home that is what we call a Win-Win-Win.

Features: This bench is designed to nest with two storage boxes that double as plyometric boxes for more workout options. These boxes are also designed to add functionality to the bench itself be allowing it to angle at 30 degrees and 85 degrees. The bench is also designed with hole placements throughout the body to add resistance band functionality.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1459895961/the-little-home-gym?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=the+little+home+gym&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&dd=1&organic_search_click=1

Supplies

Brain Power!

Power Hand Tools:

Circular Saw

Router

Drill

Driver

Misc:

Ruler

Square

Glue

Screws

Materials:

1- 4x8 Sheet 3/4 inch plywood

1- 4x2 Sheet 3/4 inch plywood

1 Package foam flooring tiles from Harbor Freight

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html?_br_psugg_q=floor+mat

1 Yard vinyl fabric

Exercise Equipment:

Kettlebell Handle - https://amzn.to/426WGb8

Heavy Resistance Bands - https://amzn.to/3Sol8kV

Pilates Bar with Bands - https://amzn.to/491HgXY

Ceiling Mount - https://amzn.to/3vRsrsq

Gym Rings - https://amzn.to/480qp73

Ankle Straps - https://amzn.to/490n6gS

Weighted Vest - https://amzn.to/47KSTRK

Carabiner Hooks - https://amzn.to/3OaCwXK

Wall Mounted Pullup Bar - https://amzn.to/3U9g0m8

Exercise Roller - https://amzn.to/3SbuIGE

Resistance Bands - https://amzn.to/3Sba3lQ

Adjustable Dumbbell (5-80lbs) - https://amzn.to/47GfW05

Adjustable Dumbbells - https://amzn.to/3St1fsX

Adjustable Dumbbells- https://amzn.to/3Of1rcJ

Step 1: Design, No Idea Is a Bad Idea

Coming up with a design will be the toughest part of this build. Early on in any design you want to list your constraints this could include space, budget, supplies, and abilities.

After listing your constraints I worked within the brainstorming process by jotting down ideas in thumbnails sketches, small drawings that can be quickly turned out of your ideas. Its important to remember during the brainstorming process that NO IDEA IS A BAD IDEA just get it on paper you can always filter down later on.

The construction of a bench is very simple using 90 degree angles and basic wood working skills. However, creating something that fits your space and functions as you need it is the real challenge. Once you have it dialed in you will be able to get the size aligned with your needs.

Step 2: Measuring, Walk in the Part With a Thought-out Design

After creating your rough thumbnail sketches take the time and finalize dimensions and features. This process can take a little while but its much easier to erase a line here and there than correct an improper cut or measurement in wood.

I designed this bench with a very specific placement and specific equipment used. Yours may vary and it should!

The nesting plyometric/storage boxes are built for very specific tools and your usage will vary. Using quality designs helps ensure accurate measuring.

Step 3: Building, Much Easier With a Quality Design

None of the building techniques for this design would be considered advanced regardless of your level of experience. Simple joints and square angles keep the sawing, gluing, and screwing quite forgiving. While the end product is a well thought out functional design the steps in which to get there are digestible to even a novice builder. This quality goes back to the design itself and taking the time to create a work that is easily accessible to all. A little extra planning can save a lot of work later.

Step 4: Finishing

You're done. Honestly the most challenging process was what to design and with a few simple techniques like listing constraints, brainstorming, and thumbnail sketching you can design and execute a quality project. Good luck thank you for reading!