Pushup Machine

A lot of people make the same excuse for not working out and getting in shape, "I need those machines, but they are way too expensive!" And that's true, those home gym machines are easily over a two thousand dollars (sometimes even more), and that's a lot of money. What most people don't understand is that you don't need those fancy machines, you can work out for no money at all. All you have to do is things like push ups, sit ups, squats, and running; these are things that include just your body. But, it is awesome to have a nice workout machine, and sometimes they provide better workouts for you than just using your body. So, a good workout machine is nice to have, but they are too expensive; and you don't even need one. That is why this push up machine is so great: it's cheap (less than 20 dollars, but I had some of the stuff), it works better than normal push ups, and it gets rid of your excuse not to work out. 

Notes (IMPORTANT)-

- I measured the pieces for this machine so that it works for me, and me only (unless you are my size). I am five foot four. So, when I write this instructable, I am using pieces that are meant for my size. If you are five feet four-ish, you are in luck; you can build it as I write it. But if you are six foot four, then you have to calculate for how big the pieces need to be for your machine. I guess you could say that this is a personalized machine.

- I am not responsible for you when you build this. 

Step 1 Materials And Tools

Materials-
          For The PVC Frame-
- 1 and 1/2 inch wide, two foot long PVC pipe
- 1 and 1/4 inch wide, five foot long PVC pipe (As I said in the notes section, you may need a bigger piece)
- (2) 1 and 1/2 inch wide PVC Tees
- (2) 1 and 1/4 inch wide PVC Couplings
- (2) 1 and 1/4 inch wide PVC Caps
          For the Wood Frame-
- About a four foot long 2 by 6 (piece of wood that I had laying around)
- A four foot long 2 by 4 (I used old fence posts)
- Nails
          Other-
- Workout Tape (you might not need this)
- Weights (make sure their holes in the center are 2 inches long)
- A Friend 
- Spraypaint (optional)

Tools-
- Hammmer
- Circular Saw (I used this to cut the wood because I wanted to work outside, which is always nice to do, but you could use the chop saw to cut the wood)
- Chop Saw (I used this to cut the PVC pipe, but it could cut both the PVC pipe and the wood)
- Pen (or pencil) and Marker
- Square
- Tape Measurer 
- Drill with Forester Bit

Comments

[sunshiine]

I loved this! Voted. My son should have seen this before he spent all his hard earned money! Awesome ible!

[splazem]

Thanks!

[sunshiine]

You are welcome!

[Chirpoff]

Congratulations, Splazem! Enjoy your totally-awesome sandals!

[splazem]

Thanks!

[mg0930mg]

Voted!

[splazem]

Thank you!

[Chirpoff]

Congrats on being a finalist! Can't wait to see the results! :D Yay!!!

[splazem]

Thanks!

[CatTrampoline]

This is a good idea. I used to do push-ups with my toddler on my shoulders, but he got too big for that many years ago.

[splazem]

Ha! Thanks!

[Robot Lover]

At my local recreation center, there's a pull up machine that does the opposite, it takes away weight so you can start with easier reps. You should make something like this but with push ups!

[CatTrampoline]

For push-ups, you can make them easier by doing them with your hands on a chair, steps, or low wall so you are tilted up while doing them. The other way to make them easier is to do knee push-ups with your knees on the floor and your back/hip/thigh line straight.

[splazem]

Thanks for the info!

[splazem]

That's a good idea!

[nitai108]

Now, should I make a push up machine or relax on the couch with a nice book? That is the question! Just kidding, nice 'able!

[splazem]

Thanks!

[BeFit]

Nice idea and tutorial, it could also be made out of steel, so it could hold much more weight.

[splazem]

Thanks! Steel would work better, but they provided two problems for me. One, it would be much more expensive, and two, it would be less portable. Also, 20 pounds is a lot of weight on your back when you are doing pushups, so unless you are super strong, then steel wouldn't be the best option. But yes, as you said, steel would hold more weight.

[UrbanEngineer93]

Neat Idea. Much safer if you don't have a spotter

[splazem]

Thanks, but what do you mean?

[Chirpoff]

A spotter is a person who stands there while you workout with weights and makes sure you don't hurt yourself by like, say, dropping the weights on your self or something. Having one there can prevent extensive damage if you're working out with extensive weights. Here's an example: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQt9lBCyn_bhpDeguKftgmI1jW5DMkjXgfX_B8FojpR_mNQYQPs&t=1

Hope this helps!

[splazem]

I know what a spotter is, but I was wondering what he meant by it being safer without a spotter.

[Chirpoff]

Well, I guess 'cause if you collapsed, it seems to be incapable of falling on you.

[splazem]

Oh. Yeah, if you did collapse, it would not fall on you.

[Chirpoff]

Coolness! :D

[splazem]

Thanks!

[caarntedd]

I am a pushup machine.

[splazem]

Cool.

[snowluck2345]

This looks like a realy cool idea. I used to just use my backpack, but it was realy awkward to use with 50lbs in it.

[splazem]

Thanks!

[ducktape.mac]

you could make a LOT of money off of this idea. it's GREAT!!

[splazem]

Thanks! Maybe I could have it on KickStart...

[ChrysN]

Great DIY workout machine! Though I find lifting my own weight is hard enough,LOL.

[splazem]

Thanks!

[ClayChip]

I like the idea, and I'd also like to see the videos. They are currently set to private. Will you please change your setting so that we may watch them?

[splazem]

Oh, whoops. Thanks, I'll get right on it!