Ceiling – How to safely install a weight bearing fitness equipment system in an apartment

ceilingmountingstuds

I am looking to (semi) permanently install some fitness equipment in my apartment (the Lifeline Jungle G XT system if that helps). It requires installing a strap mounts into either two ceiling joist or wall stud mounts. The device at maximum use will be holding full body weight, around 235 lbs for the heaviest user, dispersed across the two mounts. Ideally this would be installed in the ceiling for maximum usage/space, but I was also considering installing it above a doorway if possible. I am not sure what the joists are like in our ceilings or how to find out. Are either of these locations strong enough to support that much weight? I have a horrible image in my head of performing an exercise, pulling the joist, and my neighbors, through onto me.

If neither of these solutions are suitable, is there a way, without many power tools (basically just an electric hand drill), to build a free-standing structure that could support this weight?

Best Answer

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I felt like using SketchUp, but you can easier secure it to the ceiling or wall.

I roughly used the dimensions on the Impex Marcy SM2805 Suspension Rack

The drawing is based off of a few 2x6's and only 1 cable support is shown but there should be 4. This would run roughly $100:

  • 10x 2x6x8 (some cut to length either at home or in store) ~$5.70 each
  • 31ft of cable or chain (chain ~1.60/ft)
  • Screws

DO NOT GET PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER

You should never used pressure treated lumber for indoor uses.

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