DIY belt squats using the t-bar row platform & community advice

T-bar row platform tutorial: • DIY t-bar row platform...
DIY Landmine tutorial: • DIY Landmine | How to ...
T-bar row barbell attachment: amzn.to/3MZAojX
⏬ Equipment I use in my gym ⏬
REP Omni 6 post power rack - repfitness.com...
REP AB4100 - repfitness.com...
REP 5-50 hex dumbbell set - repfitness.com...
Fringe Sport Savage bumper plate set - shrsl.com/3iaj3
Fringe Sport floor mounted power cage - shrsl.com/3iaj9
Bells of Steel Mighty Grip plates - bellsofsteel.p...
Titan Fitness short wall mounted pulley tower - titan-fitness....
Titan Fitness rackable trap bar - titan-fitness....
Bells of Steel arch nemesis multi-grip camber bar - bellsofsteel.p...
Bells of Steel blue cerakote utility bar - bellsofsteel.p...
Bells of Steel SS3 safety squat bar - bellsofsteel.p...
Abmat Preacher Pad - abmat.com/#a_a...
Abmat Hip Thrust Pad - abmat.com/#a_a...
⏬ Consider supporting Kaizen DIY Gym by purchasing from any of the following links ⏬
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AbMat (abmat.com/#a_a...)
Bells of Steel (bellsofsteel.p...)
Wall Control (www.wallcontro...?aff=140)
Plate Snacks (platesnacks.com?aff=36)
Bowflex (www.bowflex.co...)
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Amazon (www.amazon.com?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=7143506281-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=41ca63fd5d4261a73bb1d9731360bb50&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
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This video is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliates which means if you purchase through the link, I’ll receive a small commission.
#kaizendiygym #diygymequipment #diyhomegym

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Before you comment, I already know the following: ✅ I am not super muscular ✅ I have a funny voice ✅ I have a lot of tattoos ✅ I workout in my home gym, not a commercial gym ✅ Some people despise wood If you have something meaningful to contribute and it doesn’t reiterate these items, leave a comment below. If you’re not into my channel/content, just keep scrolling bro!

[@ThatLooksLikeARake]

awww man :( i love ur voice it reminds me of my dad and u have my literal dream physique 🌸

[@domainmusicandgaming]

lol reply to the hate.. this is just feeding the trolls

[@ObservationofLimits]

I would recommend the chain but attach it so you have a stringer you can use as a dead stop. Normal chain loop - attach here to get up there Attach to belt, reattach whip end of chain that just goes to bottom of squat to bar as well. Then if you fall you can't accidentally pull the weight bar with you. Just a thought. Idk how much weight you plan on maxing here.

[@ultragear207]

Homie dont listen to them, you are pretty shredded. Keep it up and ignore them

[@humansnotai4912]

Kyle, you are who you are. You get off your ass and create, I think you channel is great. Mate, if people have problem with you, then it's their fucking pronlem. Don't change who you are or what you do; you're amazing. Namaste x

[@J.S.McDuff]

“I don’t like the aesthetics” **has gym in basement**

[@jsav6058]

​@Connor messler Same, in my old house I used my garage and it was awesome, but a basement/cellar is the dream man

[@carlito19934]

​@@jsav6058 nobody asked you just wanted to tell someone you had a gym

[@jsav6058]

@@carlito19934 I used to, read my comment youll see I said old house. I cant remember what the guy said either.

[@kirill7335]

​@@jsav6058 I agree. Would love to have a basement gym becuase I would be colder becuse it's underground and I feel like it supports the weight the best.

[@jsav6058]

@@kirill7335 100% I agree, although garage always worked dandy, aslong as the ground is concrete/ or just very solid ground.

[@tybudrow3960]

“i don’t love the aesthetics so im gonna hang chains from the ceiling”

[@bobdeslob8768]

Be a lot of fun if he slips off that platform with 150lbs attached to his belt and gets his neck caught in that ceiling chain.

[@Inventor1488]

This will be so bad😮😮😮​@@bobdeslob8768

[@peterb5]

Chain, I mean come on, think of the BDSM possibilities as well as for your weights, 2 for the price of 1 if you ask me 😂

[@gooseofficialflipping]

a man of culture i see

[@peterb5]

@@gooseofficialflipping gotta love a bargain

[@OPernalonga]

"May give serial killer vibes" I see this as an absolute win!!! Less people in my gym :)

[@tomcruz5291]

Not everyone thinks out the box you remind me of myself so many ideas to improve myself and ppl go shit keep it up

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, great minds think alike!

[@laughlinestv]

You're a legend. I've been looking for something simple to use to squat without breaking the bank. Thanks

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome! I just released a full video about landmine belt squats, it may be helpful to you as well

[@homemademan2386]

Put the wood stand in the middle so it can support it while you’re attaching yourself to it, but install it with some kind of bolt through system so you can pivot it out of the way. It can lean out of the way while you do your squats then pivot it back to the middle to support it.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Cool idea! I'll work on it

[@bobbybobman3073]

You could put the post in the center, then set up a bar linkage so you'd have a lever say at hip height to create a lever, so you can pull/push the lever to raise or lower the center post, similar to how you normally rotate some stops to use a leg press. It's the same idea just with some extra bits to transfer the forces. This way you're not having to bias towards one side or the other to start or stop a set since biasing like that is a good way to get hurt if you're going too heavy.

[@kevindrake714]

Okay I’m subscribed now!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, thanks for the support!

[@yadu_3]

That’s y gym community is awesome ❤

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Heck yeah bro

[@avillan610]

I like the off to the side method. Thanks for your channel!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, I prefer that one as well. Thanks for watching!

[@MegaMrsuperawesome]

The off to the side method I like better. The fact it's part of the equipment makes it nice and I can see if being aesthetic just use stickers haha But the chain does have the benefit of being a handle.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

True true. I definitely want to explore the attached version a bit more. I don’t hate it. I just don’t love it yet either

[@dvldogg187]

It seems like this method would be less than ideal for heavy belt squats.

[@ellenilsson8855]

@@KaizenDIYGym nb

[@MegaMrsuperawesome]

@@dvldogg187 should be a problem if you get good wood. Depending on how much you are going like into the 200kgs belt squat you may need support. But at that point I'd say just get a belt squat machine.

[@ecuadorhaszeroboxers2356]

@@KaizenDIYGym Easy SOLUTION 1. Put the plates on the bar 2. Put the belt on with the chain ATTACHED to YOUR the belt 3. Get on the steps, then SQUAT and clip it on the bar Simple 🤷‍♂️ To take it OFF, SQUAT all the way down and take carabiner off, you don’t need to do all that

[@RogeriusRex]

The 2x4 is better because: A - it's a safety feature using the momentum of the weight/gravity B - it makes the stand an all-in-one piece. C - the all-in-one can be made of steel in a later revision.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

those are all excellent points. I agree, I like the 2x4 better and will probably work on improving it

[@tontusgaming7589]

second one is golden

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@ajackass5950]

Ceiling chains are great for setting the mood

[@dreaisluved397]

Bro at first I wasn’t sure you even knew what you were doing when I saw your first video but I have to say I’m impressed with your knowledge of building these at home machines

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I appreciate that!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Check out the tutorial for the platform here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXbPdnuInsqnfKM

[@michaelward812]

I think you should put some soft leather around the middle of it so if you were to drop your bar or if it would protect your station, I would use police maybe instead of a chain and you can lower up or down some leather would be good be better where you are place the little bar in between your pole that you attach to it or you put your bar at so it just in between there it just will protect it better you need to put down some carpet underneath it so it won't slide around it seems like it slides around a lot. Put some handles on the side of it so you can move it out of the way when you're done. Just a thought.

[@gurnblanston5000]

Rope may be better than chain.

[@iamclaynow]

I like the chain from the ceiling one.

[@kevinnobody3052]

You could actually add an arm to the bar itself that pivots to the floor and holds the bar in position and then once you have attached the belt the stand could either be detached and dropped off to the side or if it's actually hinged to the main bar it could be folded back against the workout bar and secured with a clamp of some type

[@ecuadorhaszeroboxers2356]

Easy SOLUTION 1. Put the plates on the bar 2. Put the belt on with the chain ATTACHED to YOUR the belt 3. Get on the steps, then SQUAT and clip it on the bar Simple 🤷‍♂️ To take it OFF, SQUAT all the way down and take carabiner off, you don’t need to do all that

[@XroorX]

The hanging chain is a time bomb, especially when you start stacking plates

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, it’s an old video from my previous house. I had to move out because the time bomb exploded. Where were you with this information when I originally released the video?!

[@XroorX]

@@KaizenDIYGym haha. Glad you didn’t get injured….i use a fallen tree and a towing strap to do t-bar rows….

[@ToFightTheGoodFight]

I like the hanging chain from the ceiling

[@thecupcakeguy1]

This definitely a great 1 it helps non shoulder pain and back pains .

[@Dward2123]

The 2x4 option is good, but a few ways to improve it would be: 1.) Have a rotating point, so it can fold down when not in use. This could be done with a bearing and a shaft of sorts, and a couple of 1x1 pieces mounted on either side that can swing out to lock it in the "up" position for safety. 2.) Mount it in the middle, preferably on the front to allow it to swivel freely. 3.) On the underside, attach one short piece of 1x1 on one end simply to keep the 2x4 in-line with the normal front.

[@aydenwofford4872]

I like the chain tbh, especially since it’s a home gym

[@Tacomaholic]

I love the chain option and I haven't killed anyone yet.

[@Sir_Aurelius]

The chains look awesome

[@zackisattacking]

Make the block off to the side a bit taller and put it on a slide mechanism so it can be a bit easier to use and get out of your way!

[@sethfeldpausch4337]

Honestly, if I see chains hanging from the ceiling, with weights all around, I don't think serial killer, I just think badass gym!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’m good with that

[@viktorjaklbsen1577]

A lot of Home gyms would probably already have the chain option set from a boxing bag so that pretty smart

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s true!

[@garagegymgranny1965]

I like the chain as it has the added bonus as a handle👍🏻

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That is a nice feature

[@TomTom-uc2ph]

I like the 2x4 idea but make it so you can swivel it out of the way... then put back when done with the exercise

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’m working on this right now actually

[@LukeA_55]

​@@KaizenDIYGym that'd probably be the best design. I'm seeing a handle that sticks up on that 2x4 so that you can easily move it out of the way

[@l0nk267]

Add a second 2×4 on the other side to make it look less jarring and asymmetrical, it would also function as a sort of guide to keep your motion strictly upwards and downwards

[@nightstrike710]

I like the stand to the side better. It's an easy and simple solution and doesn't add much bulk to the design Since the chain is detached from the actual device I think it's more complicated, depending on the gym setting. And like you said, you have to drill into the ceiling and make it secure enough to handle the weight. Alternative: Add some handlebars to the device. It might look similar to those found on treadmills. Depending on how you build it, it might even double as a station for (weighted) dips. Or maybe put in some steps/ramps between the standing pads to make the transition from floor position to elevated position easier.

[@mr1880]

Wood stand seems like a great way to get a scattered two by four through the thorax when someone inevitably slips or takes on too much weight.

[@jacksorenson6816]

Good idea!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@JakeS6400]

Put the off to the side method on both sides so that it’s still symmetrical and aesthetic

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I like that suggestion!

[@graffreaky4513]

That 2nd option would be best but higher. Perhaps w a handle and few notches for different height users.. also, let's say you can't lift that last rep, the notches would come in handy for lower placements.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s an interesting idea!

[@escapedgoat5865]

The hanging chain seemed good.

[@Amin_2k]

amazing diy

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@strummi1]

Maybe like that last one but in the middle and you can close it/fold it down

[@gustavpropovski9932]

I used to do belt squat in the gym. I was standing on the 25kgs of plates to go low enough. My starting position was from the floor. I squat down put the belt chain around the end of the bar (a pin was holding my chain) and then i stood up from that position.

[@GorchaxGaming]

I would have made a V profile in the middle. You can rack the bar on here, similar to the second suggestion, but its centered. The V profile means its lowest point is low enough to not interfere with the lifts while giving good stability. You can also choose how high you want the V profile to reach and could extend them to use them to grip at desired height.

[@aetherblackbolt1301]

If you want you can simply place the wooden holder on the other side as well, making it symmetrical. With a nice polish and finish the wood would look really nice.

[@IanSimpson10110101]

Oh the innocence... "Chains from the ceiling" is just my Saturday night... buddies.

[@T1gB1ts]

You can also use a hydraulic clamping system that hides it self after you take off the weight, and if u step on a pressure sensor it comes back.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

that would be awesome

[@jaxnaturals]

Get a clam shell clamp to go on the inside of the bar so it can slide down the middle and then "walk" it up with you. Leverage will keep it push against the weight stop or you could clamp it in place with a spacer with the same outer diameter as the bar ends.

[@roybiv7018]

Depending on how much weight, attach a board across at least 4 joists to distribute the load. If you're hanging some serious weight, the board should be doubled up and stretch wall to wall.

[@harrykoyl3784]

That hanging chain was genius...in a Hannibal kind of way...

[@jon.a]

Easy, put your feet up first, then squat all the way down, then attach it. Just make sure its set just below your range of motion. This is what I do, failing a rep is safe and I have never had an issue

[@ghostveins9639]

I'd say something like the second one mainly because the chain give you a chance to cheat a little, considering without it you'll discipline yourself to have better stability.

[@tvortbox]

You could do the wooden support with a hinge so it can lay down when not in use

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’m currently exploring that idea as well

[@nickmaynard3079]

A small bit of chain stays on the bar which you use to raise it up after getting in place then clip it to your belt at the distance you want

[@davidpev2774]

maybe switching the foot position(reverse the degree of flexion) to a decline for more quad emphasis like a hill elevation in a regular squat

[@sssoundboy94]

Make the 2/4 platform moveable so you can put it down or to the side when the barbell isn’t in use

[@gurnblanston5000]

Put a bar stand on each side for better looks. Good ideas, sell kits.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks! I’ll look into it

[@gurnblanston5000]

@@KaizenDIYGym go for it!!

[@roybiv7018]

Use rated climbing carabineers if you go any heavier.

[@dreamchasing90]

I say cut the 2x4 significantly shorter to where it can sit on top of the cross piece connect with a hinge so it can stabilize the bar when loading weight and swing out of the way during the workout

[@minjin0259]

I would go with the wood option, but go with two that hold the bar in the middle but pivot out of the way when in use.

[@GTR_IMPOSTER]

The support in the center but closer to the fulcrum. Also make it able to drop forward once youre chained up and then also add a lever where you can just push of pull to bring the center support back up after a set !!!!!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I did that in a follow up video a few months ago

[@SuperLex2012]

Thanks for the advice

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s what I’m here for 😎

[@williamsrmonroe8406]

This is real comedy.

[@jakeschneider2113]

Add a door hinge and a stopper to the second one so you can unrack and rerack similar to a sitting calf raise if you get what I’m saying.

[@jakeschneider2113]

Move it to the middle to obviously

[@mrgaddafi6291]

The wood stand is good could make it swivel like a calf machine to move it further out the way 👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Great idea

[@UertLol]

@@KaizenDIYGym that''s what I was thinking, because of the weight I think a metal one would be better, like a slightshot shape fork on a bar, that rests against a stop just a bit over vertical I can render it if you want lol

[@MagLeesFinds]

Simply add a few inches of the chain from your belt and one extra hook/clip in order to shorten the lenght of the chain once in a comfortable position👍

[@Lokiwho]

Wood stand, but the whole thing needs to be a lot heavier so that you can get in and out of without it being knocked around. Try adding some sandbags on either side in the spaces underneath your foot placement

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I'll try that next time!

[@memolibir]

Amazing

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you so much!

[@gmoney6075]

That last method put it on a hinge in the middle so when you pick it up you can put it down, just need to find a way to put it back up

[@MeatPez]

Hear me out: steel arm in front that locks either up, or unlocked to the side. When locked upwards, it holds the bar. When unlocked resting to the side, it’s out of your way

[@-tendinitis]

Yes create a handle like a car shifter that controls the bar that you would lay the barbel on When you lift it and shift it over the peg moves into position so you can lay the barbel on it and then lift the barbel and a rubber band for example would move it away

[@f4nunez612]

Maybe just some 18" 4x4 blocks attached horizontally inside the outer steps so that you can step up easier.

[@Dimitar94]

Bro, I Have 3 herniated disks in my neck and could not squat because of that. Thank you for this idea!!!

[@FrozenKnight21]

Maybe have the board centered on a locking pivot so when in use it can be tucked away.

[@AXA23]

Put the 2x4 in the middle with a joint on the bottom and handle off the top. So you can move it over to the side, when starting a set, and move it back into place to catch the bar when finished. Similar to the seated calf raise machines that you load the plates on.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Great minds think alike. I did that a few months ago in a follow up video

[@Happy.Stupid.Neighbor]

The wood stand is slicker, maybe put it in the center and allow it to hinge down

[@dennisbergkamp7795]

I like the latter because if hung a chain off my roof I'd probably drag down the ceiling. Also I'd most likely do it outside.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yes! Anchoring a weight bearing chain into the ceiling can get complicated. And there’s no ceiling in the outdoors!

[@tylerweatherbee9180]

Move the support wood to the middle. Put it on a hinge so you can lower it when not in use so it can be laid down. Also attach a pin so you can pin it while it's in use so it doesn't fall mid squat.

[@mrfweebles5580]

A T bar with a divot could work to rest it on and you could add handles or something similar for support if you wanted

[@huedue]

I'd put the stand in the middle and support it

[@lvloneymaker24]

Gonna build this

[@reubenkriegel7639]

Do the 2x4 option just like you did, but secure it with a single screw or with a bolt and nut with washer in between so you can just slide it over and down to hide it when not in use.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Great idea!

[@mast3r-633]

you could cut the 2x4 in half and put a hinge in the middle and rotate it at an angel of 5° off 90 this should allow the bar to be held up by the pressure of the bar but it will fall when you begin the exersise

[@HonkeyKongLive]

Wood stand on a hinge so it can tilt out of the way. Look at seated calf raise machines.

[@humansnotai4912]

Like I told you last year Kyle. Lat pulldown machine with the low pulley attached to you belt. Chain suspended from the top of the lap puldown, clipit onto your belt. Walk in unclip the chain and squat. When your down in the standing (rerack position) attach the chain from above, drop the belt anf walk out. You can get a crappy lappulldown machine with a low row off Amazon for £69.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I need to actually give this a try!

[@humansnotai4912]

@@KaizenDIYGym you def should. just need a box platform tp stand on. Take 45 you make Namaste x

[@dashcamcalifornia5003]

Nice trad work homie. Looks like you're working towards a body suit. 🤘

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Almost there! Thanks!

[@apeekintime]

Very handy set up but pretty hard to get up to a good weight with this set up. Landmines have the obvious disadvantage of being a lever arm and reducing the load and only using one side of a bar reduces load capacity. At 60° the effective weight would be 50% of the load. Lets say you rep 315 on a barbell - you need 10+ plates on a landmine bar to have a comparable load. Of course.. the downside of a landmine is that the load is closer to 100% on the floor so without an assist or loading angle you are probably limited to an ineffective workout load for strength training. You can load enough for a hypertrophy workout though.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Funny you mention that. I just put out a full KZbin video discussing this excellent point.

[@grantt1836]

Just make the barbell stand pivot like what you use on a calf raise machine to track the weight when you’re done.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Did that in a different video

[@SamwiseKimchee]

Option b a little taller on a hinge lock! That way you can just move it under the weight and it locks! Idk just a thought

[@tariqziyad1338]

Lower the mid section that holds the bar. You wont have the problem of hooking the waist chains to the bar.

[@chrishack6690]

Put the mount you demonstrated in the last concept on a hinge/ joint so it can fold down.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I did that about a week after I posted this video. It’s on my channel somewhere

[@dinomash379]

Attach something like a lever/jack like some gyms have to load the barbells when doing dead lifts.

[@dionylescailles4409]

Heard the voice and thought it was that older guy that be testing random shit on his lawnmower 💀😂 was like damn didnt know bro started working out

[@KaizenDIYGym]

You’re familiar with my dads channel? That’s so cool

[@talalalanazi2358]

You can make the wood stanf for the barbell rotateable. Once you lift it gose away by it self And you can click it to place then

[@Yeahhhhbuddyyy]

2x4 option looks best and keeps everything to do with the lift in one small package. I might build this exact thing actuallt

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I have the full tutorial on my channel

[@Yeahhhhbuddyyy]

@@KaizenDIYGym oh shit yeah thank you!

[@munsonmusclefitness]

Brilliant

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@lwilldokkanforfoodl8071]

If you have to hang onto the chain for stability the weight isn’t being distributed properly. Meaning the squat isn’t hitting the muscles the way it needs to be and you will create imbalances. Add your feet are on an incline and well, it’s all bad.

[@anthonyhuber3670]

Make a removable Right and/or Left handles wrap out of galvanized metal pipe around to the front with an elevated notch to rest the bar in .. this way it can slide forward out of the way for your workout and then back

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Good call

[@manueluochoa7239]

So the they finally gave the people a way to feel like me when I’m walking around.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

like a serial killer?

[@hankhasemeier6887]

You could use the second option but out it on a hinge so when you stand up the falls flat. If you go with that option make sure the hinge has a lock that prevents it from falling backwards and also set it so that it's propped behind the wider portion of the bar so that there's no way it can fall forward before you get the weight off it.