Jaybomb007, that's a great idea. I think I can just mount this vertically and do them standing up. This won't really work for lying ham curls because the resistance won't be right at the top. Great call and thanks man!!
Fantastic...I made a power rack identical to yours in first lockdown (I'm in uk ) I will definitely be adding your leg press and leg curl to it ...thanks
So glad I helped you Gary. That's what it's all about brother. I would use 4x4s on the leg press. Only thing I would really do different. Please post it when you can so I can see it. Kurt
I've been thinking about this exact type of build, but I'm glad I watched this, 'cause my ideas weren't as clever as yours. I like it! Mechanically, I think you've nailed it in its simplicity. Very nice! I'll definitely go that same route. I've personally also been wanting to come up something that could hopefully double as a seated leg curl and a reverse leg raise machine as well, for all in one trainer of quads, hamstrings, glutes and spinal erectors (with decompression on the lumbar spine to boot). It would, however, have to accommodate for being installed higher to let you stretch your legs out while lying stomach down for reverse leg raises. This shouldn't be too hard, as it's just the same mechanics as the leg extensions. The bigger problem would be how to make it work properly as a seated leg curl machine. Your solutions of doing the leg curls standing is obviously the already built-in solution to leg curls, but I just really prefer to do them seated and with both legs at the same time for comfort and convenience. :) Time will tell if I have to sacrifice that part from any future designs.
I have done my share of inventing and building for my little home gym set up I have in a little tarp shack out back but I have nothing on this guy for building compact innovative systems. I am thinking I might do a rebuild and refit next spring and will definitely consider stealing a lot of this guys Ideas. It seems he is in the same camp as me where a big benefit of his fitness endeavor is the side hobby of conceiving and building cool stuff to work out with. You look like you have an admirable physic and are having fun with it to boot, good work Kurt.
I will stick with what I have over the winter and then may see about stealing a few of your Ideas come spring. In the mean time I hope to create a little more strength and size over the winter. I look forward to more clips from you and thank you for the reply.
That's awesome you can make that and have it fully functional and comfortable and everything but I think you're going to need a little bit more support under the back of your thighs close to your knees because that will probably wear out soon because of your weight against the weights that you're lifting and maybe also some cushioning right there behind the back of your knees.
I think you are right. If I still had this I would incorporate bands for additional/optional resistance. I finished my basement and this is all gone. Gave it all to the cable guy. He loved it.
Brilliant question! I would if I still had this. I had to get rid of it when I finished my basement. Check out my leg curl I did recently and that's exactly what I did. Good post Harap.
No clue. It will hold more than most people can do on an extension. 99% of the world does these wrong, with too much weight, swing the weight, and don't do peak contractions at the top. You'll be fine brother.
Thanks Aaron. I could make one but there are so many available it's easier to pick one up on Craigslist. The one I have is a professional grade adjustable I got for $80 and it retails for almost $300. I may make one in the future because I need to be building things or I go nuts.
There are no plans. You just have to watch the videos and figure out the dimensions. I have one video that has that information. Just have to watch and take notes.
Yes, I had a shit knee surgery years ago. Had the knee replaced a few years ago. It's always been a problem. I don't have the disparity as much these days but still a piece of shit. Don't recommend knee replacements unless you absolutely cannot walk. It can always be worse. Both of my knee replacements are not good, and it's not because I'm too lazy to rehab them. Find a real surgeon.
@@kurtheitman552 Yikes, new knees! Glad to hear you've evened out since 3 years ago. My back problems started from having one hamstring longer than the other from only throwing right kicks while fighting. That and being 6'3" and working 20 odd years in kitchens designed for short arsed Italians haha. Thanks for the great videos. No fluff, all informative. I've been at the drawing board all day for my planned build, planning it out, costing it up. Looking forward to it!
I was thinking about possibly doing one. I have a few ideas. Whenever I create anything, I go on a Google expedition and look for every existing design and then start drawing pictures. I'm currently trying to design a Smith Machine. Couple of obstacles to overcome. I like the one Jarel Jakes did, but I want mine to be mostly wood. Thanks for your comment Philip.
is a seated calf machine a good way to go? I always thought a standing or donkey calf machine was better because you got more stretch in the muscle.....but I am just guessing, not an expert.
Yes, they are very important because they work a different part of the muscle belly. Check this out and don't make anything new. You probably already have all you need. th-cam.com/video/bBqRENdnovs/w-d-xo.html
Jeff, they are the same steel pipe that everyone else uses. They have them at Lowes and Home Depot. Not sure what the strength/break rating is, but I'm sure the information is out there somewhere.
Kurt Heitman not sure how to send pics here. all done didn't bother to paint. one thing I added is band pegs- mostly for benching- but I know people use them for a lot of other lifts. could email a few pics
This is what I want to build , but I want to figure out a way or design to attach it to my cable crossover machine . I have a 4 stack system and wanted to somehow attach a cable on the bottom . Would be a similar set up . Any ideas ?
Not sure without seeing it. Did you see my cable video? Might give you some ideas. These days, I would be designing things that use the bands because they are awesome. Check out my newer video about the leg machine modification with bands. Your rack would be easy to attach bands.
If you mean the 4x4's for the main power rack uprights, I used a standard 1 1/8 wood drill bit I got from Harbor Freight. It came in a pack of four. I used a 1/2 drill and did it freehand. A 3/8 drill won't cut it and will burn out. The best way to get a clean hole is to clamp extra pieces of wood on top and below the hole so it comes through without splintering. I didn't do that - I just drilled until the center part of the bit started to come though and then drilled through the other way. I also used a router to round out the edges of the holes. That makes it look very clean and will hold up better when you are moving the safety bars. For the holes in the 2x4's I did use the extra wood pieces to prevent the splinters.
I think you used a paddle bit. Shaped like a boat paddle. A standard bit is the twisted or curly type. I don't think they make one that big but maybe I am wrong.
anyway, great job, very professional looking. another guy painted his black and stuck white numbers under the holes.....looks just like steel. I am going to make one for a second time (we moved) and I am going to use two 2x4s with pieces of 2x4 spacers every 6 inches, this is where the horizontal bar will rest. the two 2x4 method allows me to easily connect the rack to the ceiling joists in my unfinished basement. doesn't look as nice as yours but it works well.
I hope you post this when you are done! Looks don't count brother, only functionality! My original version was 2x4's glued and screwed together. Probably structurally better. Make sure the grain of the 2x4's doesn't conflict with the seam/joint of the boards. See my Kurt Press video, but I'm sure you already know this fact about woodgrain. Kurt
Not sure what you mean. I thought I explained this well in the video. Maybe it's in one of my other videos. I just used the same steel bar that I use for the safety bars. The pivot supports are made of 2x4 scraps and long bolts. Hope that helps.
awesome dude, you could even use as a lying hammy curl
Jaybomb007, that's a great idea. I think I can just mount this vertically and do them standing up. This won't really work for lying ham curls because the resistance won't be right at the top. Great call and thanks man!!
Dude, SO Glad i found this video! So awesome! Just saw your power rack as well. HELLA COOL
Finally built one of these, yesterday. Came out great. Thanks
Fantastic...I made a power rack identical to yours in first lockdown (I'm in uk ) I will definitely be adding your leg press and leg curl to it ...thanks
So glad I helped you Gary. That's what it's all about brother. I would use 4x4s on the leg press. Only thing I would really do different. Please post it when you can so I can see it. Kurt
AWESOME! Well thought out ideal Kurt with real world principle that has worked for generations.
I've been thinking about this exact type of build, but I'm glad I watched this, 'cause my ideas weren't as clever as yours. I like it! Mechanically, I think you've nailed it in its simplicity. Very nice! I'll definitely go that same route.
I've personally also been wanting to come up something that could hopefully double as a seated leg curl and a reverse leg raise machine as well, for all in one trainer of quads, hamstrings, glutes and spinal erectors (with decompression on the lumbar spine to boot). It would, however, have to accommodate for being installed higher to let you stretch your legs out while lying stomach down for reverse leg raises. This shouldn't be too hard, as it's just the same mechanics as the leg extensions. The bigger problem would be how to make it work properly as a seated leg curl machine. Your solutions of doing the leg curls standing is obviously the already built-in solution to leg curls, but I just really prefer to do them seated and with both legs at the same time for comfort and convenience. :) Time will tell if I have to sacrifice that part from any future designs.
We are clearly from the same bloodlines! This stuff is so much fun.
Nice leg machine! Very inventive.
This guys old school. I like it. Not many of those dudes left.
This might be the best comment I've ever received. Thanks so much. The new school is a bunch of weaklings.
I have done my share of inventing and building for my little home gym set up I have in a little tarp shack out back but I have nothing on this guy for building compact innovative systems. I am thinking I might do a rebuild and refit next spring and will definitely consider stealing a lot of this guys Ideas. It seems he is in the same camp as me where a big benefit of his fitness endeavor is the side hobby of conceiving and building cool stuff to work out with. You look like you have an admirable physic and are having fun with it to boot, good work Kurt.
Thanks Charlie! I really appreciate your kind words. Hope I inspire you to create something I can steal as well! Good luck creating brother. Kurt
I will stick with what I have over the winter and then may see about stealing a few of your Ideas come spring. In the mean time I hope to create a little more strength and size over the winter. I look forward to more clips from you and thank you for the reply.
Absolutely brilliant.
Thanks!
Loving the ideas Kurt. Thanks buddy.
Dude, you're awesome, I've gotten so many good idea from you, this is ace!!
Nice.I just built a power rack, and was trying to figure a way to do leg extensions..Thanks.
Great little gym that is thanks for the upload man
No problem 👍
Thanks for this. Now I have a new project. I loke how it just attaches to the power rack.
Glad I could help!
this is real cool, im gonna build me something like this.
This is amazing! I'm hooked on your videos now
Thanks, you made my day. I am glad to help people make stuff. It's so much fun.
Man this power rack is awesome thank you 👍🏼
Seems like a good setup for a standing leg curl also
Crazy Wood skills
"[leg extension]"
I'll be doing this! Great job. I'd be interested in seeing your cable system.
Thanks Arden. I will try to post my cable system soon. If you have any questions about constructing this, just post and I will answer.
Kurt Heitman Awesome! Thanks Kurt!
That's awesome you can make that and have it fully functional and comfortable and everything but I think you're going to need a little bit more support under the back of your thighs close to your knees because that will probably wear out soon because of your weight against the weights that you're lifting and maybe also some cushioning right there behind the back of your knees.
it's not a problem whatsoever, but thanks for the comment!
Godamn Man, this is beautiful.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
nice job
From the looks of the video, you could only use standard and not olympic weights on this bad boy, yes? Brilliant idea too.
I think you are right. If I still had this I would incorporate bands for additional/optional resistance. I finished my basement and this is all gone. Gave it all to the cable guy. He loved it.
Awesome! job thanks so much for sharing
Very inspired with your video 😉
Better than Scooby's. But I wonder why guys with knee problems don't also integrate rubber bands with these systems ?..
Brilliant question! I would if I still had this. I had to get rid of it when I finished my basement. Check out my leg curl I did recently and that's exactly what I did. Good post Harap.
beast bro.
Great job!
Any idea how much weight those joints can handle? I have plenty of weight for my physical limitations just need to know what you think it’s rated at?
No clue. It will hold more than most people can do on an extension. 99% of the world does these wrong, with too much weight, swing the weight, and don't do peak contractions at the top. You'll be fine brother.
It's interesting everything I've seen so far is really accurate Have you ever considered a belted squat rack
not really sure what that is?
hey man, say you had a chair facing the leg extension, you could rest it on your knees. and do calf raises.
that is a brilliant idea. Good call!
Brilliant!
hi Kurt, good daay, i make my power rack but I need to know what kind of wood you use? tnx!!! and have a nice day regards from mexico!
just the basic wood they use for framing which is sold at the hardware stores. I think it's Douglas Fir?
awesome!
Perfect
First let me say you are amazing but I wondering is it possible for you to make a adjustable bench???
Thanks Aaron. I could make one but there are so many available it's easier to pick one up on Craigslist. The one I have is a professional grade adjustable I got for $80 and it retails for almost $300. I may make one in the future because I need to be building things or I go nuts.
were can i fing the plans for your power rack and all you attachments? thanks for all you videos
There are no plans. You just have to watch the videos and figure out the dimensions. I have one video that has that information. Just have to watch and take notes.
Mr. You've got one tree trunk and one twig for legs. You'll have to fix that imbalance or it will give you serious lower back problems.
Yes, I had a shit knee surgery years ago. Had the knee replaced a few years ago. It's always been a problem. I don't have the disparity as much these days but still a piece of shit. Don't recommend knee replacements unless you absolutely cannot walk. It can always be worse. Both of my knee replacements are not good, and it's not because I'm too lazy to rehab them. Find a real surgeon.
@@kurtheitman552 Yikes, new knees! Glad to hear you've evened out since 3 years ago. My back problems started from having one hamstring longer than the other from only throwing right kicks while fighting. That and being 6'3" and working 20 odd years in kitchens designed for short arsed Italians haha.
Thanks for the great videos. No fluff, all informative. I've been at the drawing board all day for my planned build, planning it out, costing it up. Looking forward to it!
hi kurt. have you got a seated calf extension vid?
I was thinking about possibly doing one. I have a few ideas. Whenever I create anything, I go on a Google expedition and look for every existing design and then start drawing pictures. I'm currently trying to design a Smith Machine. Couple of obstacles to overcome. I like the one Jarel Jakes did, but I want mine to be mostly wood. Thanks for your comment Philip.
Your welcome
is a seated calf machine a good way to go? I always thought a standing or donkey calf machine was better because you got more stretch in the muscle.....but I am just guessing, not an expert.
Yes, they are very important because they work a different part of the muscle belly. Check this out and don't make anything new. You probably already have all you need. th-cam.com/video/bBqRENdnovs/w-d-xo.html
Nice
What did you use as safety bars? Gotta be really strong to support this?
Jeff, they are the same steel pipe that everyone else uses. They have them at Lowes and Home Depot. Not sure what the strength/break rating is, but I'm sure the information is out there somewhere.
realized that upon rewatch. halfway through my rack build now..thanks for the reply!
Great. Would love to see your finished product if possible.
Will do! these modifications are very cool, once I start using my rack I'll probably build a few of them.
Kurt Heitman not sure how to send pics here. all done didn't bother to paint. one thing I added is band pegs- mostly for benching- but I know people use them for a lot of other lifts. could email a few pics
Woooooow
This is what I want to build , but I want to figure out a way or design to attach it to my cable crossover machine . I have a 4 stack system and wanted to somehow attach a cable on the bottom . Would be a similar set up . Any ideas ?
Not sure without seeing it. Did you see my cable video? Might give you some ideas. These days, I would be designing things that use the bands because they are awesome. Check out my newer video about the leg machine modification with bands. Your rack would be easy to attach bands.
Your dope as shit...💪👌👍
how did you drill the holes in the 4x4.....what type of bit did you use to get such nice holes?
If you mean the 4x4's for the main power rack uprights, I used a standard 1 1/8 wood drill bit I got from Harbor Freight. It came in a pack of four. I used a 1/2 drill and did it freehand. A 3/8 drill won't cut it and will burn out. The best way to get a clean hole is to clamp extra pieces of wood on top and below the hole so it comes through without splintering. I didn't do that - I just drilled until the center part of the bit started to come though and then drilled through the other way. I also used a router to round out the edges of the holes. That makes it look very clean and will hold up better when you are moving the safety bars. For the holes in the 2x4's I did use the extra wood pieces to prevent the splinters.
I think you used a paddle bit. Shaped like a boat paddle. A standard bit is the twisted or curly type. I don't think they make one that big but maybe I am wrong.
Yes, exactly.
anyway, great job, very professional looking. another guy painted his black and stuck white numbers under the holes.....looks just like steel. I am going to make one for a second time (we moved) and I am going to use two 2x4s with pieces of 2x4 spacers every 6 inches, this is where the horizontal bar will rest. the two 2x4 method allows me to easily connect the rack to the ceiling joists in my unfinished basement. doesn't look as nice as yours but it works well.
I hope you post this when you are done! Looks don't count brother, only functionality! My original version was 2x4's glued and screwed together. Probably structurally better. Make sure the grain of the 2x4's doesn't conflict with the seam/joint of the boards. See my Kurt Press video, but I'm sure you already know this fact about woodgrain. Kurt
What did you use for the pivot
Not sure what you mean. I thought I explained this well in the video. Maybe it's in one of my other videos. I just used the same steel bar that I use for the safety bars. The pivot supports are made of 2x4 scraps and long bolts. Hope that helps.
could you detail the dimensions of all the wood bits
Sorry, I don't have any plans.
What did you end up doing to finish the seat?
I never did anything actually. Just left it.
Yesss😁😁👊🤛
or you just squat in your rack ;) but nice work!
Thanks. I wish I could do squats, but the knee replacement made me get creative.
Adrian Mischler - or you can listen to what he says in the video ;)