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Home Gym Hacks: Soft Loop Tiedown Straps - VOL. 1

PJ

Introduction

The Soft Loop Tiedown Strap (SLTS) is extremely versatile.

The specific ones that I use in the video (which I got from Amazon – Link below) have a working load limit of up to: 1200lbs and breaking strength of 3600 LBS…. so when they are in serviceable condition – they are extremely strong, when they are not serviceable ( become frayed) -- just replace them.

This is VOLUME 1. Did you know that there is also a VOLUME 2 and VOLUME 3!

VOLUME 2: https://diyfitnessclub.com/projects/home-gym-hacks-soft-loop-tiedown-straps-vol2

VOLUME 3: https://diyfitnessclub.com/projects/home-gym-hacks-soft-loop-tiedown-straps-vol3

Hacks

Hack #1: Dumbbell Safety Straps

DB Safety Straps will allow you to do two things: 1) Conserve MORE energy getting to position with heavy dumbbells and 2) aid you in getting OUT of position, meaning you can freely drop your dumbbells without having to worry about damaging your equipment, the dumbbells themselves, or injuring yourself…this can be especially helpful for those of you with bad backs…

To set up: hitch two SLTSs to your rack’s pull-up bar, then attach chain (these are 36” long “Trailer Safety Chains with Hooks”). Now we hitch SLTSs to the dumbbell… and exercise.

Hack #2: D-Ring Handles/Stirrup Handles

So with this all you need is approximately 5” inches of either 1” Schedule 40 PVC, or 1” EMT. So - to make the handles - just feed a SLTS through the 5-inch handle and add a Carabiner. Done.

Want ANGLED handles? Okay – before cutting heat up the PVC with a heat gun at 2.75” from the end of a 12” (or longer) piece, slowly bend, let dry, then cut off 5.5” piece,(with the center of the “bend” in the middle). Look for the Amazon Link to the exact Heat Gun I used down in the “Shopping List” section below.

Hack #3: Neutral Grip Pullup Handles

Now if you have a rack like mine – you are stuck being able to only do pullups with a “regular” grip. Therefore, to do neutral group pullups – we need some kind of implement to enable neutral grip pullups.

Now - I was origially going to build a convoluted attachment made out of wood and metal pipe that offered multiple grip positions…but this is simpler and it still works.

Add two SLTS to your pullup bar, wrap around to get the desired length, and then connect D-Ring Handles – store bought or the DIY Handles we just made with Hack #2.

HACK 4#: DIY “Monkey Feet”

Rather than spending $75 EACH for 1 “Monkey Feet” - Try this. Attach a dumbbell or plates to your feet with SLTSs and a carabiner.

If you do not know what “Monkey Feet” are -  they look like a ski boot and you can connect dumbbells to them.

Now each SLTS might be a slightly different length and we all have feet that are different lengths and widths – so to adjust it, you can incorporate a carabiner and twist. Alternatively,  there are other methods that might be more adjustable namely – Velcro straps or “Lashing straps” – but those methods are for a different video for a different day.

Now they are certainly not as slick/elegant as “Monkey Feet” – but are they effective? You be the judge!

HACK #5: Rack Mounted Landmine

So here is a very quick way to construct a Rack-mounted landmine in order to execute many (not all) landmine-based exercises, such as belt squats, calf raises, shoulder press, etc.

Now there are a variety of ways to set this up – so feel free to experiment here with how you think it works best  – but the following is currently my favorite method: hitch onto barbell and the slide the SLTS Loop onto the rack’s safety bar.

You build either a Single or Double Landmine.

Hack #6:  Landmine Attachment Strap

You can use a SLTS to attach to your barbell. Enough said.

HACK #7: Barbell Chain Hangers

Barbell chain hangers can cost you between $30 and 4$0 – SLTS are $1 (or less) each. Take your pick.

Hack #8: Cable Pulley System: Eliminate Swing: You can Use SLTS to hang chains from your cable pulley system to reduce swing. The Chain must remain in contact with the ground (throughout the movement )in order to be effective.

Couldn’t you just attach chains directly to the loading pin? Of course. However, If I did that my 36” Long chains would not have been long enough. I would likely need a 4-foot (or longer) chains. Further, the metal-to-metal contact will add more wear and tear on your plates’ paint job..

Now I do have a video where I offer 4 methods (including this one) to reduce swing – so feel free to check out that video, too!

HACK #9: Strap Loading Pin: To build a soft loading pin you need 2 SLTS, and a 1” washer (which is 2.5” across), and carabiner.

To assemble, hitch the two SLTS to the Washer and connect the carabiner….now load a plate, connect to your cable pulley system,…and exercise.

Why Two SLTS? You could use one, but by using two SLTSs the washer remains more parallel to the ground and will be less likely to dig into your plates’ paint job.

I am of course using my DIY Cable Pulley System. I also have a DIY Tutorial on how to build this. Check it Out!

This Loading Pin can be used for loading your cable pulley system, or for other uses such as bicep curls, Bent over rows, etc.- Just hook your favorite attachment (to the Pin) and exercise!

HACK #10: Rope Attachment

Need a Rope Attachment? DO you have 2 tennis balls, 2 SLTS, and 3 washers?

I really like how this feels.  Give it a try!

HACK #11: Kettlebell Swing Strap: Hitch 2 SLTSs to your Dumbbell and in doing so you turn a dumbbell into a Kettle bell for KB Swings.


HACK # 12: Dumbbell “Add On” Strap

Instantly add more weight to any fixed weight dumbbell  with “Dumbbell Add On Straps”!

Admittedly, this hack is not as elegant of a solution as using STORE BOUGHT solutions such as MiciroGainz or PlateMates,…However, Give it a try.

BONUS Hack: Safety Squat Bar (SSB) Strap

Convert any barbell into a SSB instantly. All you need is 3 SLTS and some “grippy Shelf liner.” Additionally add some washers (or my preference: floor flanges with plumbing nipples).

• SHELF LINER: https://amzn.to/3Bf7F3p

I already have an entire video dedicated to this. Check it out for more details!

But this is a great alternative to buying a SSB – further, assembly and disassembly takes less than a minute.

SHOPPING LIST

(WHEN SHOPPING, PLEASE CLICK FIRST TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL): By shopping with Amazon via any of these links, I get paid a small commission which helps support the Club’s costs such as Web Hosting the website.

Once you try these options for yourself - be sure to let me know how these options worked for you! Happy Lifting!

SHOUT IT OUT: If you Build this project and want to brag about it, please use the #DesignBuildLift hashtag so that I can feature your amazing creation on my social media to help inspire others!