Expert: Alan Kahn - 7/3/2007

Question
Hi, Alan.

Our basement is unfinished, with exposed floor joist above.  We set up our home gym down there some time ago, but the ceiling is too low for our wall-mounted speed bag platform.  It's also just a hair too high to mount directly to one of the joist themselves (I have a mounting swivel).

Can you recommend any options?  Either home-grown, or commercial (although my budget for this is almost non-existent, less than $100).

Answer
Hi Will,

From you description I would say your best option is to mount a board to the ceiling joists. That will give a lot of stability and retard any board shaking.  Then, you can change the Height variance by EITHER lowering the board by using runners (2x4 or 4x4) between the joists (*meaning attach wood runners to the joists, then the board to the runners), OR standing on a platform.   I have made small platforms for the very same reason using 2x4's or 4x4's and putting a 4x4 sheet of plywood over them for a quick "stage".  OR you could get one of those adjustable stepping benches.  

Personally, I wouldn't try to bridge the height difference by lowering the board because it is easier to raise up to a slightly higher bag than to bend to hit a bag that is too low.  You never know, you may have a really tall training partner one day, and using a step will allow you to adjust bag sizes easier.

I think one of the plans above should fit your budget of $100.00 or less.  Good luck with your set up, and thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible