HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SLED: DIY - Explore the [Exercise] Science behind the ultimate exercise tool.

[@samsmom400]

I live in senior housing apartments. I made a sled from an old laundry basket that has holes all over. I attached the belt I got from Amazon to the lowest holes on the basket. I added my dumbbells and kettlebell for weight. I placed them on top of towels to keep the noise down, also in between the weights. I shortened the belt so it wasn't as long. I do this around 4am so I can avoid random people and comments. I love this exercise. My legs have gotten really strong.

[@MaddenScience]

I love this!!

[@mystvandle]

Love this idea! I was looking to make a sled and I have all these supplies at home! Thanks for saving me money!

[@MaddenScience]

Glad to hear it!

[@alexscrubs1]

Great video. Starting the ATG program and going to make a tire sled for progression

[@MaddenScience]

Let me know how it works out!

[@dancarrison9354]

I have a wheelbarrow in the backyard with a flat tire, which I thought was useless. Until now!

[@stevelufc64]

Did the tire sled put a wooden bottom in and the weights or in my case kettle bells are more secure

[@MaddenScience]

Excellent!

[@lisadakar9928]

I got my ( free) tire at the dump and it had the wheel on it so I hust load Kettlebells or medicine ball on it and go

[@MaddenScience]

I love it! Great idea.

[@ronhoover5516]

Great video! One of the best, if not THE best, how-to videos IMO. Thank you!

[@MaddenScience]

You're welcome! I really appreciate the kind words and feedback.

[@BrOprah]

I love the power bocks sled, it's perfect for the size. I have a set and conveniently some spare stall mat scraps from making my gym floor. this is going on the project list!

[@MaddenScience]

Awesome! Let me know if you come up with any improvements. I'd love to hear how it turns out.

[@robinleatherman2218]

Awesome 👍

[@waterprosurge]

Curious, how's the overall noise compared to a regular sled with a plastic bottom? I assume the stall mat sled is also slightly quieter than the tire? I'm worried about upsetting my neighbors with noise so I was thinking the stall mat bottom might be a good solution. Thanks!

[@MaddenScience]

The two sleds I made are pretty quiet. I've even talked on the phone while pushing/pulling and it's no problem. Definitely not loud for neighbors. As for how loud compared to a regular sled - I'm not sure - I don't think I've used one of those on the street (just inside of a gym on turf). Either way, I think it'll be good!

[@lukefitt56]

Great video! I have the tire and I ended up installing a D-ring anchor and it’s help up great for at least a year or two with clients using it. I really like the power blocks one because it’s much more portable (and I already have all those supplies!). I didn’t even think about doing the horse stall mats on the bottom.

[@MaddenScience]

Excellent! I love the d-ring anchor idea. And then you connect to it via a carabiner?

[@lukefitt56]

@@MaddenScience Yes! The carabiner on the TRX straps I usually use works well. I have another carabiner and soft tiedown loop to anchor my battle ropes to it so I can use it for other things. Part of the fun of it is figuring out other ways to use it 😃

[@patrickmadden9890]

You forgot to mention that Mom and Dad got home and caught us doing the car push, before we finally convinced Dad to try. Also, pretty sure I wasn’t the slowest, though I would be today.

[@MaddenScience]

Very good point! And Dad was definitely not warmed up or in proper clothes. I did put in a disclaimer about the times...I suppose you'll need to write an essay about it to set the record straight(er). Until then - you don't really have to worry about many people watching this. 🤣

[@howiecarnivore]

how long would the horse stall mats survive on concrete or paved roads before completely eroding away? I was thinking to use a cut out tire piece. 🤔

[@MaddenScience]

Good question. I'm not sure. Depends on how rough or course the ground is, how much weight is on it, and of course, how much usage. My guess would be even with heavy use (both weight and time-wise) it would last at least a few years before needing to be replaced.

[@curtpopejoy9884]

I use a truck tire. I put a sheet of plywood inside and I use $6 bags of quick crete to adjust the weight. I ran an eye hook through the tire and use a tow strap.

[@MaddenScience]

I love it! Great set up. How big is the truck tire? How many bags of quick crete do you end up using?

[@curtpopejoy9884]

@MaddenScience it's a 275/70 r18. I I have 5 60lb bags I work up to.

[@curtpopejoy9884]

I didn't mix it. I just toss the full bags in instead of adding plates. Just a cheaper option.

[@deathuponusalll]

Very nice!

[@mustbescud]

How do those stall mats hold up when used on concrete/asphalt?

[@MaddenScience]

They hold up really well. I thought at first that the screw attachments might wear/break off - but they've held up perfectly. The stall mats have worn a little bit, probably the same as the regular tire - but that's only a little bit - kinda like a sneaker that's worn slightly.

[@mustbescud]

@@MaddenScience ah, thats good to hear. I checked on amazon for the price of those Mats. Its about $35 USD. Was concerned how often i'll have to replace them lol. Thats I will give these a shot

[@MaddenScience]

@@mustbescud you could also consider lining the bottom with tire tread. You can get a tire for free and cut it up and screw onto bottom. This would take more time and effort than the mats. I happened to have a mat lying around - and I only used about 1/4 of it.

[@MaddenScience]

@@mustbescud Nice! Keep me updated with how it turns out. *I use the leftover part of the stall mat for plyos and jumping rope.

[@finnomara4148]

I leisureland my true but after connecting everything its a bit too heavy to get it going. Can you suggest a modification to make it more easily pulled. It's a big tractor tyre. help☹️

[@MaddenScience]

Hmm. I'm not quite sure. I big tractor tire is going to be super heavy and have lots of friction. And be a bear to cut or reshape or remove weight from. I think the only option would be to try it on a lower friction surface - like grass or dirt or leaves or maybe loose gravel? Might need to get a smaller tire... (should be able to get one free at a tire place - just ask for an old beat up one).

[@teamcq9204]

Did you put anything on the bottom for the wooden sled since you train on asphalt? I assume this is chewing up the wood. I want to do it on the canal bank that is dirt and rocks. Looking for cheap DIY for the bottom so it doesn’t chew the wood up

[@MaddenScience]

I used horse stall mats on the bottom. This was to add more friction (just wood was too smooth and easy) and to protect it. Works really well.

[@seanlowrey6371]

You could buy a sheet of UHMW plastic and attach it to the bottom. I’ve done that with a traditional sled to keep it from damaging the street, and the sled itself when I drag on asphalt. It’s relatively cheap. I haven’t had any issues with it not having enough friction, but my sled also has much more surface area contacting the ground than the wood skis in the video.

[@Haxtheblaston4325]

I got a sled, I leave it in my trunk so I can do it when I have an hour so I find an open area and do some pulls also have some dumbbells so I can work my arms at the same time. Also have a speaker so I can listen to some motivational speeches while Im working out

[@MaddenScience]

That is a perfect combo!

[@1966johnnywayne]

I'm going to make two wooden sleds, one regular sized one for the grassed park behind the house that I can do push/pull with and a smaller, more portable unit that I could load onto my Honda scooter and take to other parks. I plan to set the smaller one up for use with one or two 25lb plates and my 45lb weighted vest. This way I can alternate sled drags with bodyweight+ squats down at the park. I will initially try to run with the friction provided by the wood runners alone, and "upgrade" to rubber runners if that doesn't work out. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@MaddenScience]

Amazing ideas! Keep me updated - I'd love to hear how it turns out.

[@nathananderton8546]

How would someone design the equivalent of this type sled but for pushing?

[@MaddenScience]

You can use straps (like a TRX or my homemade version) for pushing - you are still in front of the sled, you push against the handles and the straps provide the tension. Just like in on the video's thumbnail picture. Admittedly, this is one area where a regular type sled (Rogue dog sled) is a little better because it has vertical metal poles to push. In order to have this equivalent, you'd need to go with a wooden or metal base, so as to adequately secure 90 degree/vertical poles to push. You could make a wooden base and then use plumbing pipes and flanges.

[@brandtbrian123]

Do you find that this leaves little bits of rubber lying on your street?

[@MaddenScience]

Very good question - depends on what you mean by "little". It does not leave any naked-eye visible pieces. Nothing is noticeably flaking or sloughing off (I assume that's what you're asking). However, on the microscopic level, yes. There is wear and tear and so some microrubber pieces are being broken off the tire and the stall mats. Similar to this - only we're outside, so things don't accumulate in the same way. www.newscientist.com/article/2428422-indoor-climbing-wall-users-may-be-breathing-in-toxic-rubber-dust/

[@geraldwhitneyray]

Dave Madden is a true modern Renaissance man, seamlessly blending the intellect of a seasoned scientist with the strength of an elite weightlifter. His KZbin channel is a testament to his brilliance and dedication. With a physique worthy of a Greek statue, Dave's muscular form speaks volumes of his commitment to physical excellence. His scientific acumen is equally impressive, delivering complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm. Dave's ability to bridge the gap between rigorous academic research and practical, actionable advice is unparalleled. Whether he's dissecting intricate biological mechanisms or demonstrating flawless weightlifting techniques, Dave Madden exudes a unique blend of intellect, strength, and charisma. His content is not just educational but also deeply inspiring, making him a standout figure in both the scientific and fitness communities.

[@MaddenScience]

Love it! You're far too kind and thoughtful. *plus a little flair for exaggeration.

[@elleffeff]

What did you put on the bottom of the wooden sled? This was not clear to me. Thanks!

[@MaddenScience]

Good point - I used horse stall mats on the bottom. I cut those to size and then fastened it on using screws. It increased the friction and made it way better.

[@elleffeff]

@@MaddenScience Thanks!!!

[@ltaylor2238]

I didn't understand what you attached to the bottom of the wood sled?

[@MaddenScience]

I attached horse stall mats. They're basically thick and sturdy rubber mats, like car tire threads.

[@waterprosurge]

Also curious, what are the rough dimensions of the wood sled? Guessing maybe 12" wide x 20" long? Assuming those are 2x6's on the bottom? Thanks!

[@MaddenScience]

Pretty close! The bottom is made with 2x6s. 24" long, and set at 12" in width - meaning there is a 1" gap down the middle. The ends of those 2x6s are cut at 45 degrees - with the horse stall mats screwed into the bottom flat part, and the angled front and back slanted part. The cross pieces are all 12" long. The two end pieces are 2x4s (so ~ 3.5" in width), and the middle piece is 3" (not totally sure why, must've been a scrap?). The spacing is such that it's balanced spatially to hold the powerblocks. That means there is ~5 7/8" gap between the pieces in order to fit the powerblocks. Hope that helps!

[@deanlabayen]

Just looked up Powerblocks… wow you must be rich, that sled went from free to over 2000.00 bucks. But great design, i’m Making it right now. I need to find cheaper options for my sled weight.

[@waterprosurge]

@@deanlabayen $2,000? Not sure what you were looking at but I was able to get a brand new set of the Power Block Sport 50's with the 70 lb and 90 lb expansions for $429 a few months ago off woot. Even if you pick up used iron Olympic plates off Facebook marketplace you're still looking at $1/lb for those. And the power blocks are so versatile. You can do tons of things that you can't do with Olympic plates. My next project is going to be making a thin wood surround for them so when I do farmer carries to failure I can set them down fast out on the street without worrying about scratching them up on the pavement.

[@anitaburchfield9717]

What is the thickness of the stable mat?

[@MaddenScience]

The ones I used are 1/2 inch thick.

[@LouisLuzuka]

This is helpful information I think this is more fun than buying a sled for $100-200 😮

[@MaddenScience]

@@LouisLuzuka Most definitely!

[@catherinebadrouillet4490]

Very dangerous🤔🤔

[@MaddenScience]

How so?

[@avxy3632]

​@MaddenScience they're afraid of exercise

[@AdamKonstancinBargilewicz]

Дякую друже, як раз шукав.. успіхів тобі в розвитку