The goal: Build a stucture that allows completion of most CrossFit WOD's (don't have options for a Concept 2 rower, and no current plans for a GHD sit up bench) and also serves as the kids' swingset.
Reasons: So freinds and I can workout at lunch (only live 5 min from work) or afterwork while watching the kids, with the hope that they grow with physical fitness/health as a core part of their childhood/teen years. Also hope that it inspires neighbors or freinds to get fit, and maybe recruit a few more to drink the CrossFit kool-aid.
I'm getting near completion working on it a few hours each day over the extended holiday weekend.
When complete this will include all the following:
CrossFit
- (2) 8.5' high pull up bars
- (1) 12' high bar to accommodate rings
- (1) 10' high wall ball target
- bench and squat rack
- 15' high rope climb
- 12", 24", 36" box jumps (stumps)
Kids
- short rope climb
- 4' high slide
- 8' long x 6.5' high monkey bars (10 rungs)
- 8' high climbing wall
- (3) swings
- adjustable pull up bar (3.5' and 4.5' high)
- stumps - they love them too
Here's what I started with; the swingset that was already at the house in 2003 when we purchased it. I tore it down and reused nearly 100% of it.
A few pics of the layout and initial post setting. Not shown is the (3) 16' pressure treated 6x6's that make the structure nice and solid. They're cemented in 4' deep holes.
Needed a break, so we did a little driveway boating.
Now some current photos. Still needs roof and sides to the kids' hut where the slide/monkeybars/climbing wall are.
Love this, best set up I have ever seen! Don't suppose you could take some more pics of the rings/rope side - can't quite see how you mounted the rope? I'm wanting to build a more simple version - with rope, wall ball, rings bar and pull up bar. Just trying to work out how to configure it!
ReplyDeletehttp://mattcross-fit.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-byob-photos.html
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Rope end uses two beefy hose clamps on an eye bolt. I then use a caribeener to clip to another eye bolt mounted on the 16' high cross bar. I'll try and take more close up pics.
That's awesome!! Can you post another image of the rope climb? How did you mount the 15' rope climb using 16' 6x6's?
ReplyDeleteI know its been a while since this was posted, but have you put anything underneath it for fall protection? I've seen a lot of people using pea gravel or rubber mulch as a safety surface.
ReplyDeleteI just checked the WIkipedia page for playgrounds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground) and it referenced a safety summary at another site (http://www.pinnaclerubbermulch.com/rubber_mulch_is_safer.html). They both reference a 16' fall height rating for rubber mulch (though one of the links is from a Rubber Mulch company). Still might be worth checking out to make sure the little ones stay safe on that awesome play center you built!
The links didn't work, so I am gonna try something:
ReplyDeleteRubber Mulch Safety
Not sure if that will work, but worth a try!
How did you get the olympic bar hooked to the 6x6 for the bench?
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty amazing. Well done.
ReplyDeleteHow high are your pull up bars?
ReplyDeleteI am in awe! I want one! I love to exercise/play outside for exercise and what an awesome way to have your kids see what it means to live healthy and stay active while having fun. Awesome way to instill in them that fitness is not just "UGH I HATE THE GYM" but can also be yay lets go play outside!
ReplyDeleteReally impressive building, Matt!! I'm so jealous! I've been looking for the most pragmatic way to build an outdoor ring tower with the smallest footprint. I assume your 12' high tower is supported by a concrete base, correct? Is there a formula/rule of thumb for the dimensions of a concrete base for these types of structures? I'm a former gymnast and have been itching to create a ring tower in my backyard but have had no idea where to start and have no experience with pouring concrete or doing this type of work (I do have some friends, however). My dream would be to create a 15' - 17' tower, but don't know how feasible that is. Any tips on where to start?
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