Every year I make the same New Year's resolution: to be stronger, fitter, and healthier. Although I always start with plenty of enthusiasm, the post-New Year slump inevitably comes along in mid-February, ruining all the hard work I put into my health and fitness goals at the beginning of the year.
For 2020, I was determined not to let that happen again, and I came up with a way to refresh my workout routine, keep things interesting, and help me stay motivated.
A few simple DIY builds helped me to incorporate a new range of exercises into my workout. Try these fun and engaging EMT conduit pipe exercises at home and achieve your health and fitness goals this year.
DIY PULL-UP BAR
If you want to take your upper body workout to the next level with chin-ups and pull-ups, this DIY conduit pull-up bar is the project for you. This bar was perfect for hanging over the beam in our basement, where we had set up a small home gym.
To make your DIY pull up bar, you will need:
8x 90-degree Maker Pipe connectors
1x 18-inch length of ¾ EMT conduit
2x 10-inch lengths of ¾ EMT conduit
2x 6-inch lengths of ¾ EMT conduit
2x 4-inch lengths of ¾ EMT conduit
2x 3-inch lengths of ¾ EMT conduit
Black shrinkwrap
2x end plugs
1x pool noodle
Duct tape
Use a heat gun to apply the shrinkwrap to the 18-inch length of conduit. This is to improve your grip while doing EMT conduit pipe exercises on the bar.
Attach two of the 90-degree connectors to either end of the length of pipe using the hardware provided. Position the open end of the connector, so it faces horizontally.
Attach the two 3-inch lengths of pipe to the 90-degree connectors. Then attach another 90-degree connector to the other end of each length, positioning the connector so that the open end is vertical.
Place the 10-inch lengths of pipe in the vertical end of the 90-degree connectors and secure. Add two more 90-degree connectors to the open end, positioning them horizontally.
Add the two 4-inch lengths to the connectors and secure them. Then add the last two 90-degree connectors to the end of the pipe facing vertically down.
Secure the 6-inch lengths of conduit to the end of the connector and add the end plugs.
You should have a pullup bar with a hook attachment for hanging the bar over a beam. Slice the pool noodle down one side with an X-acto knife and cut into lengths to cover the hooked end of the bar. Secure the pool noodle using the duct tape. This enables the bar to sit more securely on the beam and prevent scratching.
EMT CONDUIT PARALLETTES
Dips and pushups are an important part of any workout routine to build your upper body strength. But I also love to use these DIY parallettes for core strengthening and balance exercises like L-sits.
To make a set of EMT conduit parallettes you will need:
2x 18-inch lengths of EMT conduit
2x 12-inch lengths of EMT conduit
4x 6-inch lengths of EMT conduit
4x T-connectors
4x 90-degree connectors
8x end plugs
Black shrinkwrap
Begin by applying the shrinkwrap to the 18-inch length of conduit with a heat gun.
Attach two 90-degree connectors at either end of the 18-inch length with the open end facing vertically down.
Connect two 6-inch lengths of conduit to the end of the 90-degree connector and attach a T-connector to the other end.
Slide a 12-inch length of conduit through each of the T-connectors and secure in place using the hardware provided. Add end plug to the open ends of conduit.
Repeat with the remaining materials to make the second parallette.
DIY FITNESS RINGS
Fitness rings are a fantastic way to shake up your current workout routine, and they aren’t just for elite athletes. I use my DIY fitness rings to do a range of beginner level core strengthening exercises.
EMT conduit is excellent for this project because it’s not only sturdy but also flexible. You may need to purchase a pipe bender (a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of DIY projects with conduit), or you can ask the staff at your local hardware store if they will bend the pipe for you.
To make your rings, you will need:
2x 12-feet of lashing
20-feet of 225 lb. rope
2x 24-inch lengths of EMT conduit bent into open-ended rings
Measure the rope into two equal 10-foot lengths and cut. Thread one 10-foot length through the pipe 2 times and secure with a knot. Repeat with the other length of rope and ring.
Thread the straps through the ring, ensuring the straps are supported by the rope. Secure the straps to a stable structure for your EMT conduit pipe exercises.
THE WRAP UP
EMT conduit is excellent not only for bodyweight exercises but also for performing EMT conduit pipe mobility exercises for better flexibility and range of motion. These builds are an affordable way to make a change to your workout routine to help you achieve your fitness goals this year.
If you want to find out more about the incredible projects you can build using EMT conduit and Maker Pipe modular connectors, call us today on 1-843-245-9747 to speak with our experienced staff or contact us via our online contact form. Don’t forget to check out our gallery for more DIY project inspiration!