Introduction: Exercise Wheelchair Boost Ramp

In 2001 I broke my back in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. When a person becomes paralyzed it is important to keep your muscles in your arms well toned. The wheels of my wheelchair are my legs; therefore, I wanted to do exercises on my Iron Gym to keep the strength in my arms, but I couldn't reach it. Unfortunately, at the time of my accident I did not have insurance so, I am unable to afford the expensive exercise equipment, that I would like. Therefore, I came up with this idea of the boost ramp, so I can exercise at home on my Iron Gym; it works really well and I don't know what I would do without it.

Attachments

Step 1: Materials Needed

2  1" X 6" board pieces, cut to 30 3/4" lengths
2  1" X 6" board pieces, cut to 21 1/2" lengths
6  1" X 4" board pieces, cut to 25 1/2" lengths
2  2" X 4" board pieses, cut to 5 1/4" lengths
28-32  1 1/2" screws
8  2 1/2" screws
1 pair of 3' wide hinges with screws
white wood glue
1 screw driver.

Step 2: First Step Instructions


1)  Lay top of base boards (1X6 30 3/4" boards) on flat working surface 15" appart.  Brace them down.
2) Using a 1" X 4" board 25 1/2" long, stand on it's side, on top of the base boards flush with the edge, you may glue these together.  Be sure all your edges are even.
3) Using another 1" X 4" 25 1/2" long board standing on its edge, Place it  evenly length wise, along outside edge up against your last step. Glue the outside edge board to you base board.  Use 2 1 1/2" screws, screw the back and side together.
4) Repeat step 3. for the other 3 length wise boards on the bottom.

Step 3: Second Step


5)  Using 1" X 4" 25 1/2" long board, also on it's side, up against your bottom boards at the front. 
6)  Screw your front board to all 4 length wise boards.  8 screws all together.
7)  Carefully turn Ramp over
8)  Put 3 screws along each side to secure the top, to the bottom. You can put 4 screws along each side if you wish.
9)  Screw 2" X 4" 5 1/2" to the back end of the base (standing on edge flush with the base), on each side using 4 2 1/2" screws per board, there should.  The base of the ramp should be higher than the 2X4's. 

Step 4: Last Step

10)  On one end of the remaining boards (ramp pieces) cut or shave off the under part so that, when turned over and sitting flush on floor, the wheelchair can roll up onto it, without a bump.
Hold flat end of board to the base and attach hinges (hinges are attached on the top of base to the ramps, above the 2X4's with the sides flush. 

Ramp is ready to use.

Step 5: Boost Ramp

Close-up of ramp

Step 6: Ramp and Iron Gym Together


Step 7: Wheelchair on Boost Ramp


Humana Health by Design Contest

Finalist in the
Humana Health by Design Contest