DIY lever belt squat and seated calf raise!

Written tutorial here: garagegymexper...
Materials for the $20 belt squat:
100 inches of 2x4 (this can be one 9 ft 2x4 or two 5 ft 2x4’s)
3.5 inch bolts and 7 inch bolts along with nuts and washers (thickness of the bolts is up to you, 3/8” will get the job done)
5/8” x 6” Eye bolt - (amzn.to/3VwpUet)
1” floor flange - Amazon link (amzn.to/2UGkB2W), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
12” long 1” steel pipe - Amazon link (amzn.to/3x4pxvm), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
1” pipe cap - Amazon link (amzn.to/3BHBMl0), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
1” hitch pin (www.tractorsup...)
Or 5/8” hitch pin (amzn.to/3N7wh4Z)
1/4 x 1.25 lag bolts - (amzn.to/3GurclZ)
2 inch wood screws - Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
Luggage scale to test out the loaded weight: amzn.to/3WC0r4F
Materials for the kickstand:
15 to 20 inches of 2x4
2 inch door hinge - Amazon link (amzn.to/3Z18GbZ) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
Two 8 inch springs - Amazon Link (amzn.to/3CcDUmJ) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
1/4 x 1.25 lag bolts - (amzn.to/3GurclZ)
Materials for the handle:
1” floor flange - Amazon link (amzn.to/2UGkB2W), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
12” long 1” steel pipe - Amazon link (amzn.to/3x4pxvm), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
1” 45 degree elbow - Amazon link (amzn.to/3Vyxg0X) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
3 - 6” long 1” steel pipe - Amazon (amzn.to/3AQITqD), Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
1” T-connector - Amazon (amzn.to/3WEcONQ) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
2 - 1” pipe cap - Amazon link (amzn.to/3BHBMl0), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
I used 1” but ¾” inch pipe would also work
Materials for the calf raise:
2 - 1” floor flange - Amazon link (amzn.to/2UGkB2W), Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv....)
2 - 2” long 1” pipe nipple - Amazon (amzn.to/3IcoYsC) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
1” to ¾” pipe connector - Amazon (amzn.to/3VBYHXZ) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv.io/P0LEEz)
¾” 6 inch pipe nipple - Amazon (amzn.to/3GrRVQe) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv.io/Vyr99A)
3/4 inch pipe 12 inches long - Amazon (amzn.to/3xREwuJ) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
3/4 inch t-connector - Amazon (amzn.to/3vxtCtC) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
3/4 inch 10” pipe nipple - Amazon (amzn.to/3WYZxPH) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
3/4 45 degree elbow - Amazon (amzn.to/3jH9VwN) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
3/4 inch pipe caps - Amazon (amzn.to/2ZQMgkd) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
Ader 8” foam roller pads - amzn.to/3AGiM4F
Loctite - Amazon (amzn.to/3qluvUp) Home Depot (homedepot.sjv....)
DIY upholstered pad:
DIY calf raise block: Article (garagegymexper...) Video ( • Calf Raise Block DIY P... )
⏬ Equipment I use in my gym ⏬
REP Fitness - www.repfitness...
REP Omni 6 post power rack
REP AB4100
REP 5-50 hex dumbbell set
Rep monolift attachments
Fringe Sport - shareasale.com...
Fringe Sport Savage bumper plate set
Fringe Sport floor mounted power cage
AbMat - abmat.com/#a_a... (coupon code DIY10 saves you 10%)
Hip thrust pad
Chest up pad
Preacher pad
Barbell bomb
Abmat
Quarter rings
Belt squat cover
Split squat pad
Medicine balls
Bells of Steel - www.bellsofste...
Mighty Grip plates
Seal Row Pad
Wall Mounted pulley tower
Aluminum pulley wheel upgrade
Arch nemesis multi-grip camber bar
Blue cerakote utility bar
Rackable curl bar
Inspire Fitness functional trainer - amzn.to/3PTvlTv
Massenomics Drink Spotter - www.massenomic...
Mutant Metals handles - mutantmetals.c...
Marrs Bar - titan-fitness....
Elite FTS bands - www.elitefts.c...
My camera equipment:
Canon 80D dslr camera - amzn.to/3WtpJC7
Canon SL3 dslr camera - amzn.to/3vhAPhF
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

[@killakori]

Most underrated channel

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you so much! I am getting there. I think 2023 is going to be a good year for this channel.

[@killakori]

@@KaizenDIYGym it's great content man. I look forward to every upload. Keep it up 💪

[@altairtheeagle]

Dude....... you are incredible, please excuse any perceived negative comments before, im new to your channel, I now see what you are doing..... holy

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks! No offense taken. I can appreciate genuine criticism.

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Please keep doing these videos! I know this channel will pick up momentum, its so helpful to the home gym community.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks buddy, that’s the plan! I’ll keep making videos as long as people want to watch them!

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice innovation!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks bro! I’m pretty stoked about this one!

[@uywilly]

This is brilliant 💪 Thanks for sharing

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@ak-zw8jv]

Dude you continue to impress me with these builds. I've built a ton of stuff from your channel. I feel like all these leg builds helped me so much having my own gym at home.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@dwaynemadsen964]

Almost I did not watch this because I have seen the short videos. This is a marvelous explanation of the steps and of your reasoning in making these attachments. My rack is a cheap one with holes only going front to back, but I think there is enough room in my garage to go off to the side. I really want to do this once I have finished one or two other projects. Thank you for sharing and stay safe.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch. The short videos are basically teasers that I put out while I’m shooting the longer video. I appreciate the support. Good luck on your build.

[@Denriall]

You could use safety/spotter arms with holes from side to side to get a hitch pin through these holes and build this. Maybe this could help, if your garage isn't big enough.

[@matwinner9708]

I’ll build one of each for less switch work. Great ideas.👍

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That works too!

[@leitman]

The seated calf setup was super easy to build. About 30 min of work after a trip to the hardware store. Way more effective on the calves than putting dumbbells on my knees. Was surprised I used 90s on each knee earlier in day. Built this setup later and loaded it with 95 total to test it out. Way more intense. Great video and easy build!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s awesome! I’m glad you like it

[@memolibir]

Thanks for the video 🦾🤕

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcohiss6718]

Kaizen ... you rock! 👌🏼

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you so much Marco! You rock!

[@mr.rawhite]

That is pretty dope man, great job!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Appreciate it!

[@mcfadden3413]

Such great content!! I always draw inspiration from your builds... or copy them to the letter :-) (like I did with my lateral raise build). Keep it up Kyle. Thanks for sharing

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That is great, I love to hear it!

[@mozbius]

Absolutely beautiful work there!!!! Well done!!!!!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you very much!

[@MrAndrew990]

Love the squat rack mods.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thank you so much. This one is pretty fun.

[@garagegymgranny1965]

This is going on my Honey(please) do list for sure. Thanks for sharing your ingenious and affordable options for home gym owners on a restrictive budget.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s great to hear! I’m just happy to know other people enjoy this stuff as much as I do!

[@guileuesugi]

Hey Kyle! How about a video for DIY AB Straps ? That one used on pullup bars, for leg raises? I tried some of my old bed sheets but it didn't go well LOL

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I haven’t thought about those but I’m sure they wouldn’t be too hard to figure out.

[@ericlaliberte3473]

You can make it simple by flipping it over. On side belt squat the other side seated calf raise.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That would work too

[@bradstreet6467]

Love the multi purpose of this. I will be building this

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome! I love to hear it!

[@nathanjohnson3668]

Bro, you are seriously underrated man. This is some legit DIY ideas. Subscribed man. Keep up the good work!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I appreciate that so much!

[@marv_8484]

Hello guys! I tried dming kaizen with a diy idea on instagram but didn't get through till now. I've got the idea about building a 2 in 1 Nordic bench plus Bulgarian squat rack out of a foam roller and maybe some wood. I would really enjoy a tutorial for something like that from someone that's much better and creative in building something without any blueprint lol.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Hey! I did get your message. I’m currently on vacation so I’m a little slow on responding. I promise I’ll get back to you when I have time. Thanks for always watching and supporting.

[@marv_8484]

@@KaizenDIYGym thanks mate just didn't see If you've seen it so I thought maybe writing here as well so the chance is higher that you can see it. I am currently building out my home gym and already started building your sumo platform. I would really love to do Bulgarian squats and also Nordic curls but I don't see the point in buying those two accessories for 250€ and 150€ and was just wondering if it's cheaper and easier to build on your own👍 Thanks a lot for responding and enjoy your vacation!

[@Mass3y0n3]

Thanks for the tutorial! I built a similar version, but spaced mine differently, went with only 2 flanges, and don’t have any handles. This means less hardware and faster swaps between lifts, but without the handles, I have less stability in my movements.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That works!

[@luismontoya9009]

GENIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thankssssssssssssssss!!!!!!

[@juanto303]

Love this channel!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks bro, I appreciate the support!

[@EvolvnRise]

Amazing video! Keep it up man! Really under rated channel! Great work

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Much appreciated!

[@DK-xd3ct]

I was going to try your leg press but I think I’d use a belt squat more and the seated calf raise is dope. This would take far less room to store in my tiny garage too

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, I definitely use this more often for that reason. Good luck with the build!

[@bigdogkropp]

If you had a longer lever you could put the weight horns behind you which would put you at a mechanical disadavantage, requiring less weights. Probably have to bend the lever upward so weight plates don't hit the ground.

[@herederosdelatradicion4163]

Thanks ❤

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Glad you liked it!

[@Beats-By-Anthony]

Amazing!!!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!!

[@lymedog3176]

I can change your math and physics…put a j hook ,opening facing you ,on the underside of the arm ,near your attachment hole. Take a purple or blue band attach the loop around the j hook then around the support arm of the rack, then attach the other loop to the j hook. Secure the band from sliding up the rack ,support it to the bottom of the rack. I used a small nylon loop with a carabiner. Now even close to bottom you will be at weight or up to 25lbs above… I measured it with a scale at multiple heights. The bigger the band the more the suffering….lol

[@65impact]

This is absolutely awesome!!! You continue to put out great content!! I love the design but I'm curious if there would be a way to add a handle to the kick stand to be able to access it from a standing position without having to reach under? Kinda like how a pitshark squat works with the hook. I feel like that might be safer and easier when fatigued.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’m sure there is a way to add a handle to the kickstand. I’ll look into it.

[@rpclance]

Using the spring leg idea BUT I’m gonna try using a small chain/rope through the 4x4 that’s on tension when down. I’ll stand, pull the chain and hook it to a handle. When done unhook and leg should snap back down. I theory it should work.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I like that idea. Let me know how it works.

[@benjaminwetscher9614]

Amazing 😻

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks bro!

[@hanswestmar3450]

This is so awesome.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Ha! Thank you so much!

[@horalesupervato1]

Wow😳👏🏼👏🏼genius

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@jayuppercase3398]

I think if you put another hinge at the bit connecting to the belt youight be better able to replicate the straight up/down motion of a squat

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I’ll look into that.

[@CredibleHulk10]

Love it, but why not just sit on a bench on the outside of the structure (facing in) to do calf raises?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That could work too

[@MikeBarbarossa]

If you put the I- bolt at the end and not on top, you don't have to take it off for the calf raise

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s smart. I’d be concerned over its ability to stay out over the long term.

[@travis6240]

You said the inch hole goes at the end of the 30 inch pieces but by the end they were at the end of the 20 inch pieces. If anyone is following along then they have screwed up because you said it incorrectly.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sorry man, there are bound to be some mistakes in there. Hopefully you’ll be able to recover and still use your DIY.

[@travis6240]

@@KaizenDIYGym i have recovered and completed the build. My temper tantrum is over. Appreciate the video.

[@johnnymartensson3892]

I built that and good so good it Was.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

That’s great to hear!

[@geodesicmonkey]

Did you consider placing the weight behind you using a longer length arm? Im currently building one and will be testing out different weight placements. Thanks for all vids and inspiration.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I haven’t tried it but I’d love to see how yours turns out!

[@Ram3s]

Amazing thank you its possible the project in cm ? Thank you kyle

[@randy291]

Love your channel! You inspired me to do some do it yourself projects for my home gym. I am going to build this.Belt squat set up. I know you mentioned the length of the lever. The shorter you feel more load the longer you feel less load. Ideally, what do you think an ideal length would be? I will be using Olympic plates. Thank you in advance!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Longer is always better. The shorter it is, the more you get pulled forward at the bottom of the movement. Length doesn’t make a difference on how much weight you feel, that has more to do with weight placement. The closer the weight is to you (vs the attachment point) the more weight you actually feel. I’d put it as close to your body as you can without bumping your knees into it during the movement.

[@randy291]

Thank you very much for the reply and thank you for the useful information on load placement ! . Definitely makes more sense now. Keep up the great content . 👍🏻💪🏻

[@spartan_md8295]

Would this work even better with pulleys from the lever arm to the ceiling, then to a floor platform like your Belt squat hack with titan wall pulley?

[@shaikhamjad1825]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Hi love your channel and innovative inventions! I'm considering getting the Mammoth belt squat from Fringe your invention and it says 90% felt weight. It's long so that made sense until I saw Sorinex J Squat which is also long but claims 60% felt weight. They look VERY similar but percentages are far off. Please help me understand this and help me pull the trigger because I'm tired of messing around with landmine belt squats and at a weight level where they no longer work or are a total pain. How does yours get 30% more feel weight than Sorinex or do you think their % is way off and they never even tested it. I tested a landmine belt squat today and say a 25lb plate and 45lb bar at an angle with landmine had weight of around 38lbs so it was MORE than the weight I put on.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

These are all great questions and I appreciate the kind words. I haven't used the J Squat so I can't say whether or not what they're saying is accurate. On the Mammoth, there are so many variables that change the felt weight - length of the arm, weight horn placement, height where it is mounted on the rack, whether or not a kickstand is attached, etc. I can't say definitively because I haven't tested it out. What I can say is that I trust the team at Fringe. I trust they did their due diligence before putting that information out to the public.

[@calemay4733]

i need an idea for a pull weight sled....thanks in advance 🙂

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Find me on instagram and I’ll send you some ideas

[@alinoelevie1847]

Hey ! Great video, I just had a little question for you. Do you have an idea of what would be the maximum weight this thing supports ? I just wanna be sure that I can train heavy enough with it

[@BOBANDVEG]

Pretty sure you could build this thing, stand alone lol, out of 4x4 and it'll hold a phuqn ton ......literally

[@Jastpd85]

I love the design and got it mostly done. How did you get the springs to work? I’m having trouble getting any springs to work without them either slapping too hard or barely moving at all. I basically copied what you did on the video but my results were much different. Any help or advice is appreciated!

[@KaizenDIYGym]

It’s a matter of attaching them with the right amount of tension. I had to do a bit of trial and error to figure it out.

[@tylermoran1826]

Could you use this to do seated overhead tricep extensions?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Sure, I haven’t tried them but I don’t see why not.

[@thephilosopherdiabetes]

This is sweet I’ve been tinkering with belt squats and this might be the one. But do you think there are any modifications that would help increase depth? I squat atg and a lot of belt squats don’t like that lol

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Yeah, stand on some bumper plates or build some boxes to stand on. Super easy fix.

[@thephilosopherdiabetes]

@@KaizenDIYGym thanks you’re the man!

[@PhilippeRmiche]

I'm making one. Would adapting a low pulley and cable take away the weight reduction from the arc?

[@bryanboos951]

I have a landmine attachment into the wall a couple inches above the floor. Do you think this design would work or would using the barbell design be better

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Both would work. It’s really a matter of what’s easier and most effective for you. I’d at least try the landmine belt squat before building this. You can elevate your feet by standing on some plates.

[@optronixatron]

What does the lever on the belt squat help with? Is it for balance?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Which lever? The handles help with balance. The kickstand helps with starting from the standing position.

[@optronixatron]

@@KaizenDIYGymThanks for the response! I meant the one up top and held with your hands as you squatted. I think I'll build something like that for my home gym.

[@johnnymartensson3892]

Is belt sqats better that sqats IF you have back problems.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Belt squats are a good alternative to squats for people with back problems, yes. I also like to do belt squats as an accessory exercise on leg day after normal squats.

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Also curious if the Fringe belt squat can do calf raises?

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Not yet but we designed it in a way to be able to add attachments later

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Awesome good enough for me!@@KaizenDIYGym

[@marcelogomes7340]

Top...Show de bola

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Thanks!

[@eugenemalgreen9847]

Advanced for sure

[@KaizenDIYGym]

Awesome, glad you like it!

[@nikitaw1982]

Diy why as long as u have a million dollars of tools. Hah my middle name is fasecetiase.

[@KaizenDIYGym]

I wish I owned a million dollar workshop! I know you’re just being silly but I have to point out that the cuts can be done with a hand saw and the holes can be drilled with a cordless drill.