DIY Outdoor Weightlifting Platform and Rack

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Having a home gym is one of the best parts of adulthood. But, something that can be even more fun is being able to workout outside. In steps the DIY Outdoor Weightlifting Platform and Rack. Enjoy this weekend project.

I was scanning Reddit the other day and saw an awesome tutorial for an outdoor weightlifting platform and squat rack.

There are quite a few DIY weightlifting platform tutorials available, although I think mine is the best *wink* *wink*, but there’s very few that could stand the abuse of being outside.

RELATED: Best squat racks

So, I contacted the creator of the tutorial, u/IAMgrrrrr and he said go ahead and post it on the site.

So without further adieu, here is the DIY Outdoor Weightlifting Platform and Squat Rack.

Supplies

One 4′ stainless steel bar
Twoimpregnated wooden beams 10’x4″x4″
Two Stainless Steel H-Anchors all connected with 1/2″ screws
Two 1 1/2′ and 6″ in diameter Water-pipes
Forty-Four1 1/2′ by 2″ Stone Squares
Five 4’x6′ 3/4″ Plywood Sheets
One 4’x6′ 3/4″ Horse Stall Mat
Box of Wood Screws
One Can of Waterproofing Wood Protector
(Optional) One Large Roll of Foam
(Optional) One Can of Paint

Instructions

1. Mark off starting position along with cornerstones

2. Dig the “basement” of the platform. This will keep the platform from rotting and essentially sitting in water. The foundation is 9″ deep. The waterpipes are 1 1/2′ and 6″ in diameter.

3. Begin constructing the rack. Attach the 4′ stainless steel bar to the two wooden beams. Also attach the H-Anchors to the base of the beams using 1/2″ screws. The H’Anchors help secure the beams in the ground/concrete.

4. Submerge the water-pipes in the ground and fill with concrete. Once filled, erect the rack.

5. Erect the rack and level it out. This is a very important step and extra material should be used to support it as the concrete cures.

6. Level out the “basement” and place 1 1/2′ by 2″ stone somewhat evenly spaced out.

7. (Optional) Using the roll of foam, roll out strips to help reduce noise and level out the platform.

8. Lay a second layer of stone and pack dirt in between stones to even out.

9. Place Sheets of Plywood and screw together. For more detailed info on how to do this see here.

10. Cut stall mat in half and screw to platform. You could also use playground rubber mats, but they are more expensive.

11. Weatherproof platform using wood protector.

12. Complete platform by painting and adorning with rocks or dirt to fill in edge gaps.

Final Thoughts

This is an awesome platform for those who want to train outside.

I would apply very liberally the wood protector and paint. Unless your platform is covered, this bad boy is going to take a lot of abuse from the elements. I think it will hold up just fine if it’s reconditioned at least once a year and the basement is properly done.

Coop Mitchell

Cooper is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Finance. He found his love for fitness while training for hockey, a sport he played with various teams throughout his career, including Lindenwood University, St. Louis AAA Blues, and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. At IFP, Cooper focuses on the training layout and client experience. In addition to co-owning Intentional Fitness & Performance, Cooper runs the website and associated channels for Garage Gym Reviews. When not eating tacos or staring at a screen, Cooper can be found with his Wife Mollie, son Ezra, and dog ‘famous’ Amos.

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