Fitness 621 Exercise ball organization
The Process
My local gym, Fitness621, needed a custom solution for their custom problem. They contacted me to design, manufacture, and install a piece of equipment to organize their weighted medicine balls and exercise balls. I took inspiration from the classic Walmart bungee cages that we all know and love. I hopped on the computer and drew up a design in my CAD software. The final design is a wooden frame with vertical bungee cords on the front to dispense the exercise balls. I also designed and installed 3D printed safety straps to the bungee cords because children are known to pull on them. I took this into account during the product testing phase before delivery. Mounted to the sides of the cage are shelves for medicine balls. These shelves are constructed with 3D printed brackets and PVC tubes to connect them. I even custom branded the cage with the gym’s logo using my Cricut Maker vinyl cutter. The gym later decided to upgrade the 3D printed brackets to contain their custom logo as well.
Building the wooden frame
The frame is constructed from wooden 2x4s. They are secured together using decking screws and wood glue at all joints. It has mitered bracing on the internal corners to give the structure stability.
Computer Aided Design
Everything was designed using CAD software before purchasing any materials. I was able to create 2D drawings with a Bill of Materials to bring to the hardware store. This preparation prevents wasting materials and multiple trips to the store.