A FITNESS CENTER MADE OF WOOD

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Our total investment in our home fitness center (a dream come true for any bodybuilder!) was approximately $192. Keeping the cost down did involve a little improvising. For example, the cable and pulleys we used for the "lat" machine were salvaged from a wrecked aircraft at no cost. I think, however, that any resourceful builder could manage to spend as little as we did. If, like us, you can buy pipe at a junkyard, do it! The materials don't have to be new.

It is necessary, however, to select unwarped wood that's free of knots, splits, or other damage that would weaken it. Cut the pieces, then drill the holes for the pipes and bolts before you assemble the equipment. And, to avoid splitting the wood, connect the pieces with screws instead of nails. (I used No. 10 X 23/4" screws.) I also found that drilling a small pilot hole eases the task of putting in the screws, and that applying Elmer's Carpenters' Glue to the joints before assembly makes for a sturdier bond. Additionally, you should be sure that the wood is clean, smooth, and free of rough edges before you paint it.

Finally, padding is needed on those parts of the gym that will come in contact with the body, but that material doesn't have to be expensive either. I used old carpet tied into place with string.

LONG-TERM SATISFACTION

We've enjoyed the comfort and convenience of our own private gym for more than three years now. We don't pay dues to spas . . . we no longer wait in line to use the equipment . . . and we train whenever we want to.

My next challenge will be the Mr. Universe Contest. I'm just wondering if anyone there will believe that I trained on gym equipment made of wood!

EDITOR'S NOTE: The two plans presented here are excerpted from Carlos DeJesus' booklet describing his entire gym. We were impressed enough with the equipment that in our upcoming July/August issue we're going to show you the designs for six more of the author's wooden workout machines, including a calf block; a curling bench; and hyperextension, "lat" standing calf, and seated calf equipment. Should you want more information on Mr. Dejesus' Wooden Gym booklet, his Natural Instinctive Training manual, or the natural bodybuilding school he's founded, you can contact him at The School of Natural Bodybuilding, 1822 Williamsburg Rd., Suite 10, Richmond, VA 23231.

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