Homemade sports equipment

How to Make Homemade Sports Equipment

Save money and stay active by building your own gear

Published on June 08, 2025


Staying active doesn’t have to cost a lot. With a little creativity, you can build your own homemade sports equipment using things you already have around the house. Whether you're into weight training, cardio, or sports games, there’s a way to make it work on a budget.

Why Make Your Own Sports Equipment?

Making your own sports gear is:

  • Cheaper than buying name-brand equipment
  • Customizable to your space and needs
  • A fun way to get creative and stay active
  • Perfect for home gyms or backyard games

Easy Homemade Sports Equipment Ideas

  1. DIY Dumbbells

Fill two milk jugs or water bottles with sand or water. Use them as weights for curls, shoulder presses, and more.

  1. Homemade Medicine Ball

Take a basketball, cut a slit in it, fill it with sand or rice, then tape it shut. Use it for slams, tosses, and core workouts.

  1. Jump Rope

Use a length of thick rope or even an old phone charger. Just make sure it's strong and long enough for your height.

  1. Agility Ladder

Lay out masking tape or string in ladder shapes on the ground. Use it for speed and footwork drills.

  1. Pull-Up Bar

A strong metal bar or even a broomstick placed between two sturdy surfaces can work for pull-ups—just test it for safety first.

  1. Balance Beam

Use a wide wooden board or a 2x4 on the floor for balance training and footwork drills.

  1. DIY Sandbags

Fill heavy-duty bags with sand, rice, or dirt. Wrap with duct tape for durability. Use them for strength and conditioning workouts.

  1. Soccer Goals

PVC pipes and netting or old sheets can make easy backyard soccer goals for practice.

  1. Basketball Hoop

Mount a recycled bike rim or a plastic laundry basket onto a wall or tree. Great for kids and casual games.

  1. Tennis Trainer

Tie a tennis ball to a long elastic cord and attach the other end to a heavy base. It’s great for practicing alone.

Stay Safe Always make sure your homemade equipment is:

  • Stable and secure
  • Able to handle your weight or the force of impact
  • Checked regularly for wear and tear

Pumppal Makes Fitness Easier

If you love working out at home and tracking your progress, Pumppal is the perfect app for you. Whether you're using homemade equipment or hitting the gym, Pumppal helps you plan workouts, log sets, and stay motivated.

Download it today and take your fitness to the next level.

Get PumpPal Now!

Google Play Badge Apple Store Badge