THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ → Support Veteran Journalism →
After thoroughly enjoying SOFREP writer Alex Hollings’ ongoing series “Old Man Fitness” he made me realize that there may be interest among SOFREP readers in having a workout space like the one Alex and I use in our garages.
My home gym is a special place for me, and has been for many years. It doesn’t require a membership, I get to play over-the-top aggressive metal as loud as I want, and I get to slam as much weight as I damn well please without being judged or accused of being a Crossfitter.
As I’ve accrued strength gains over the years, I’ve run into the problem of just how much damage that weight flying around can cause to the floor of my garage. Despite the layer of rubber matting I’ve faithfully used for years, dropping a loaded 500-pound barbell will take a toll on any surface. So after doing some consulting with a number of much stronger men, I put together a simple, good-looking lifting platform that will withstand all sorts of abuse for about $165.
This will make a lifting platform that is 6 feet long and 8 feet wide. My lifting space is a little confined but this gets the job done. Materials are as follows (you can just as easily make an 8′ by 8′ platform here if you have the space for it, you would just need more rubber matting to account for the additional space, and obviously not need to cut the 4’x8′ pieces of wood you get from the store):
(2) 3’ x 8’ OSB/plywood boards, 5/8”-thick
(2) 4’ x 6’ OSB/plywood boards, 5/8”-thick
(1) 4’ x 6’ smooth pine, oak, or maple plywood 3/4″-thick
(1) 4’ x 6’ rubber horse stall mat 3/4”-thick
First, if you can’t cut the boards to these dimensions, the guys at Home Depot or Lowe’s should be able to do it for you. As a warning: nearly all the cuts were off by 1”-2”, so I had to use my own saw to make slight corrections. Otherwise, a layer of plywood not being flush with the others would drive me insane.
1. After your cuts are made, lay the OSB or plywood down in two layers on the spot you intend to build the platform. When appropriately layered, they will form a 6′ by 8′ platform.
2. Using a drill, screw the layers together. Start at opposite corners and then go down the sides.
3. Place your nice piece of pine, oak, or maple in the center. Screw it down in the same manner.
4. (Optional) Coat the top piece with a few layers of polyurethane to protect it from stains.
Read Next: Old Man Fitness: How to keep making progress when lifting alone
5. Cut your horse stall mat directly down the center, creating two identical 2’ x 6’ pieces of rubber mat. Cutting the mat with a box cutter can be a real pain in the ass, but I made it easier by laying the mat on top of the bench I use for bench press (but protected by a 2×4 so I would not cut my bench). The natural bend that was created from the sides dangling over the edge of the bench made a curve that made cutting down the middle much easier. Use screws to secure your now two rubber mats to the edges of the platform.
Boom. That’s it. You now have a functioning lifting platform you can use for deadlifts, cleans, or whatever you want. I screwed my squat rack onto the platform as well, so I can do all of my lifts safely on top of a sexy platform. If you need to do the same, just get some 2” lag screws and washers, and bolt that thing into your top wood layer.
Images courtesy of the author
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.
Why the Russian Third Army Corps Won’t Do a Damn Thing to Help the Motherland
Is the Air Force Turning to the F-15EX as F-35 Failure Looms?
Military Pay Cut: Air Force Airmen’s Salary is Next
New York Times Slams SEAL Training; “A Culture of Brutality, Cheating and Drugs”
Is Iran Really Buying Twenty-Four Su-35 Fighter Jets From Russia? Don’t Count On It
New York Times Slams SEAL Training; “A Culture of Brutality, Cheating and Drugs”
Ukraine Rumor Intelligence, North Korean Volunteers, Missiles Over Crimea and Inflatable Rockets
China’s Foreign Policy Is To Bully the US, Our Policy Is To Take It.
Read this Translation of an Interview with General Kryvonos of Ukraine’s Special Forces
Is the Ukraine War About To Spill into Kosovo and Serbia?
Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff
Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today!
USAA proudly serves millions of military members and their families with competitive rates on insurance, banking and investment services.
Fox Nation is an entertainment streaming service brought to you by FOX News. Stream exclusive shows, documentaries, and news stories that celebrate America.
The Loadout Room is a shopping depot specializing in outdoor adventure products and tactical protective gear, all curated by former Special Ops veterans.
© 2022 The SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.