View Full Version : How can I utilize 500+lbs of concrete blocks for lifting?
As the title goes, I have 500+lbs of concrete blocks left over from when we rebuilt our porch. Until the beginning of May, I'm going to be hard pressed to find time to visit the gym, so I thought that maybe I could build a makeshift gym out of what I had available to me. The thing is, I have all these weights and no clue how to utilize them. Anyone have some good suggestions? The concrete blocks range in weight from 5lbs, 8lbs, 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, 30lbs, and 45lbs.
highhung723
03-20-2011, 05:39 PM
Sounds like a set of dumbbells if you can grip them. Do you have pictures?
They're basically like slabs. The 5lb ones are squares, the 10lbs are about the size of bricks, and the rest are solid slabs. I'd take a picture, but I'm having problems with my computer so I don't know if I'd be able to upload them. I'll try tomorrow when it's light out again.
FatGymRat
03-20-2011, 06:07 PM
Conditioning....
Load those bastages into a wheelbarrow, then move and unload... then re-load and move them again. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I did this last summer with a bunch of pea stone, except I raked it up and loaded via shovels into buckets and postal bins and went on a one-man bucket brigade to move the ground cover that was under the former deck area (which I was returning to lawn status). I relocated it to an area beside the driveway where I thought the pea stone looked better.
Conditioning....
Load those bastages into a wheelbarrow, then move and unload... then re-load and move them again. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I did this last summer with a bunch of pea stone, except I raked it up and loaded via shovels into buckets and postal bins and went on a one-man bucket brigade to move the ground cover that was under the former deck area (which I was returning to lawn status). I relocated it to an area beside the driveway where I thought the pea stone looked better.
I don't really have the space in my yard to make that worthwhile, though I appreciate the suggestion. I was sort of hoping to try and use these for not so conventional versions of conventional exercises, ie bench deadlift etc.
jormone
03-20-2011, 06:37 PM
http://www.3millsoft.com/tkd/images/omar_break_brick.gif
oldline70
03-21-2011, 12:12 PM
Probably carry them from one side of your yard to the other and stack them.
Once you're done, do it over again.
Or you could use some of them for odd-object lifting: grab a couple in each hand and press them overhead, if heavy enough.
Squat the heavier ones, one in each hand or resting on your shoulders (I didn't say it would be easy!)
Do elevated pushups on them.
Can you swing them like a kettlebell? There could be some risk involved should they slip, so be careful and use gloves.
I've got a couple 25+ cindrblocks and I use them for a varierty of things in the gym and they come in very handy.
Can you use some for step ups? Again, it might be dicey.
OK, some of this might be a reach-but you're limited by your imagination here.
Probably carry them from one side of your yard to the other and stack them.
Once you're done, do it over again.
Or you could use some of them for odd-object lifting: grab a couple in each hand and press them overhead, if heavy enough.
Squat the heavier ones, one in each hand or resting on your shoulders (I didn't say it would be easy!)
Do elevated pushups on them.
Can you swing them like a kettlebell? There could be some risk involved should they slip, so be careful and use gloves.
I've got a couple 25+ cindrblocks and I use them for a varierty of things in the gym and they come in very handy.
Can you use some for step ups? Again, it might be dicey.
OK, some of this might be a reach-but you're limited by your imagination here.
They're just straight up slabs in varying sizes. I appreciate the suggestions, will rep on recharge.
I was thinking about making a make-shift barbell out of a steel pipe and buckets, measuring it out and everything so the buckets are equidistant from each other. On lifts like bench press I could easily create a makeshift bench, and for things like deadlift I could use the other slabs as a platform.
cthulhupun
03-21-2011, 07:26 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY4k59YOu0E
Go to 0:53
Scrap lumber, 2 tires, a 5' hunk of water pipe (3/4" or 1"), another larger pipe to act as the hinge.
oldline70
03-22-2011, 08:44 AM
They're just straight up slabs in varying sizes. I appreciate the suggestions, will rep on recharge.
I was thinking about making a make-shift barbell out of a steel pipe and buckets, measuring it out and everything so the buckets are equidistant from each other. On lifts like bench press I could easily create a makeshift bench, and for things like deadlift I could use the other slabs as a platform.
Thanks for the reps. I was trying to think of some more uses for these.
You might use them for gripping exercises of some sort..how long can you hold them pinched between thumb and forefinger. Depending on how wide they are, it might be a challenge at the higher weights. Do a farmer's walk type of exercise carrying the heavier ones pinched between thumb and forefingers for extended walks of a quarter mile or more.
Load some in an old duffel bag or army backpack and use them for different kinds of carries and lifts. Hike with them.
It might be challenging and painful, but in combination with some sand in a thick canvas bag you might have a sandbag-type creation.
Good luck with these; it sounds like you have some good options.