cement blocks

Oscar_Actuary · Post by **Oscar_Actuary** » Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:42 pm

I'm about to pee myself because I have not thought of using these before and was about to pay for a "step" or "box"

Any drawbacks to using these cinder blocks (8"x8"x16" or 4"x8"x16") to stack for things like step ups and box squats, or just as places to set bar betwen glute thrusts. Or anything else.

I mean, this is a no brainer right?

Post by **Jungledoc** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:21 am

I think it's a great idea! If you want to hold a bar at the height it would be at with 45s on it when you're using smaller plates, it won't be right. Bur for everything else, go for it. A couple of 8" and a couple of 4" and a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood, and it would be about right for a squat box.

You might want to get cement blocks rather than cinder blocks, as they would be stronger and more durable.

Post by **stuward** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:42 am

The actual size of an 8x8x16 block is actually about 3/8" smaller to allow for mortar so you have to account for that if you want to get precise. Be careful to stand the the blocks upright as the blocks could break due to the hollow part in the middle. Boards on top would help spread the load and reduce the likelihood of the blocks breaking. They would also reduce the likelihood of scratching your bar.

tanstaafl · Post by **tanstaafl** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 7:48 am

I use them for calf raises and block holds , you have to be careful with the calf raises as the block can tip

Oscar_Actuary · Post by **Oscar_Actuary** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:51 pm

yeah, I'm concerned about tipping during step ups if I stack them. But, figure I can brace them as needed

I never considerd th blocks breaking no matter how I turned them

<--

davdigsb · Post by **davdigsb** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:58 am

tanstaafl wrote:I use them for calf raises and block holds , you have to be careful with the calf raises as the block can tip

Use what?

Oscar_Actuary · Post by **Oscar_Actuary** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:46 pm

wow, that was cheap and easy.
I bought 4 8x12x16" cement blocks and 6 4x8x16" solid cement blocks. And a board of OSB. Right now just using one layer of each, to get about 12", no glue required yet. Later I will glue each layer to itself, but leave the layers separate, to keep it safe at heights.
And really does not take up much space since I can still store a few loose dumbells on top.

Post by **Jungledoc** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:22 am

davdigsb wrote:
tanstaafl wrote:I use them for calf raises and block holds , you have to be careful with the calf raises as the block can tip
Use what?

Before you post on a thread, you should at least take note of the subject of the thread!

tyciol · Post by **tyciol** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:41 pm

This seems like a good way to elevate the legs of a bench so we can do chest-supported barbell rows with 45lb plates, seeing as how most benches are too low people to lower their arms very far.

Oscar_Actuary · Post by **Oscar_Actuary** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 7:48 pm

only draw back, they sorta flake off and leave little pebbles. Otherwise, yeah, useful.

Post by **Jungledoc** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:22 pm

Do you have cement blocks or cinder blocks. The former are less fragile.

Oscar_Actuary · Post by **Oscar_Actuary** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:34 pm

according to Home Depot, I bought concrete bocks, According to google images, I can't tell.
I know you recomemnded Concrete, and so trust Home Depot is advertsing properly (?)
I need to buy a couple runners anyway, and they would go underneath these bricks. It's not a big deal.

ExRx.net

cement blocks

cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks

Re: cement blocks