For climbers looking to enhance their strength and power, campus boards offer an effective training solution. However, purchasing a commercial campus board can be quite expensive. Luckily, building your own low-cost campus board at home is a feasible option that allows you to customize the design to fit your needs. In this blog post, we'll guide you through some of the best low-cost methods for building a campus board that will help you train effectively from the comfort of your own space.
What is a Campus Board?
A campus board is a training apparatus designed primarily for developing explosive power and contact strength in climbing. It consists of a set of evenly spaced rungs or holds set at a specific angle, allowing climbers to practice dynamic movements and improve their ability to generate force. Building one at home can provide significant benefits without breaking the bank.
Materials Needed
When constructing a low-cost campus board, you'll need some basic materials:
- Plywood : A sheet of 3/4-inch plywood will serve as the main structure of your board. This sturdy material can withstand repeated use.
- Wooden Rungs/Holds : You can either buy pre-made climbing holds or make your own wooden rungs. If you opt to make them, consider using hardwood for durability.
- Screws : To attach the rungs securely to the board.
- Sandpaper : For smoothing edges on the wooden rungs to prevent injuries.
- Paint or Stain (Optional) : To finish your board and protect the wood.
Building Your Campus Board
Step 1: Design Your Board
Decide on the dimensions of your campus board. A common size is around 8 feet high and 2 feet wide, but this can be adjusted based on your available space and preferences. The angle of the board is typically between 10 to 20 degrees.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
Once you have your design, carefully cut the plywood to the desired dimensions. Use a saw for straight cuts, and ensure the edges are smooth to avoid any splinters.
Step 3: Create and Attach Rungs
- Spacing : Determine the spacing between your rungs. A typical distance is 12 to 15 inches apart, but you can adjust this based on your height and comfort level.
- Attaching Rungs : Securely attach the wooden rungs to the plywood using screws. Pre-drill holes to prevent the wood from splitting and ensure that the rungs are level and stable.
Step 4: Sand and Finish
Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the rungs and the board itself. If desired, apply a coat of paint or stain to give your campus board a finished look and additional protection against wear.
Step 5: Mounting Your Board
Decide where you want to mount your campus board. Ensure it's secured to a wall or frame that can handle the stress of dynamic movements. Use heavy-duty brackets and anchors to ensure stability during use.
Training on Your Campus Board
Once your campus board is built and securely mounted, you can begin training. Here are a few exercises to get started:
- Max Reach : Start with your hands on the bottom rungs and attempt to reach the highest rung possible without using your feet. This helps develop explosive power.
- Contact Strength : Practice pulling up and touching the rungs with your hands, focusing on engaging your core and maintaining a controlled motion.
- Repetition Drills : Perform sets of repeated jumps to the rungs, aiming for a specific number of reps or time duration.
Tips for Safe Training
- Warm-Up : Always warm up before starting your campus board workouts to prevent injuries.
- Gradual Progression : Start with lower rungs and gradually increase the difficulty as your strength improves.
- Listen to Your Body : Pay attention to any signs of fatigue or strain, and allow adequate recovery time between sessions.
Conclusion
Building a low-cost campus board at home is an excellent way to enhance your climbing strength without breaking the bank. With some basic materials and a bit of effort, you can create a customized training tool that fits your needs. Remember to prioritize safety and start slowly, progressively increasing the intensity of your workouts. Happy training, and enjoy the gains that come with your new home-built campus board!