Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Jerred Moon.

Want to expand your repertoire of handyman skills and get in the best shape of your life all at the same time? Then you, my friend, need to make your very own DIY Prowler. Never heard of a Prowler? Let me tell you what sort of workout you’ve been missing out on first, and then I’ll show how you can make your own with some 4x4s, pipe, and brackets.

What Is a Prowler?

A Prowler is basically a sled that you stack weight on and push around for exercise. But the Prowler isn’t just another push or pull workout sled. The different variations and workout combinations you can perform with a Prowler are almost endless, making it an amazing strength and conditioning tool.

Depending on which variations and movements you use, the Prowler is great for conditioning and endurance workouts or for strengthening your core, arms, and lower body. There aren’t too many conditioning tools that exist in this world that have the power to work your whole body like the Prowler. A few quick intervals with this thing and you will feel like you ran 5 miles and completed a load of heavy squats.

The Prowler was made popular by some of the world’s top strength training coaches like Dave Tate and Louie Simmons. These coaches learned that any lifting program, if not coupled with appropriate muscle conditioning, prevents athletes from reaching their full potential. Athletes that want to compete at an elite level will need an elite level of conditioning to get through their training.

With CrossFit exploding in popularity, we have seen a huge shift in the world of fitness. Movements and lifts that were once reserved for Olympians and powerlifters are now being performed by your average CrossFitter. And equipment that was once used only by elite athletes (like the Prowler) are being incorporated into the fitness regimens of more and more average folks.

The problem with some of this cool new fitness equipment is that it can cost you an arm and a leg. For example, buying a heavy duty Prowler will run you anywhere from $250-$800 at most fitness stores. But with an investment of just 50 bucks, you can build your very own this weekend.

Alright, enough chit chat. Let’s start building your Prowler.

Step 1: Go Shopping

Now, before you run out and buy everything on the list, make sure you read through this entire article first. I left some things optional. This could make your project easier or cheaper depending on your specific situation. The items on the equipment list with a star have options.

Materials List:

(2) 8’ 4×4’s

(1) 10’ metal conduit pipe 1 1/4” in diameter* (or other pipe options that do not involve cutting)

(10) 5/16” lag screws 6” (1 extra just in case)

(1) box of flat edge screws 1-1.5”

(1) 2’ PVC section 4” diameter* (other options available)

Masonry Circular Cutoff Blade for cutting metal and PVC* (only if you plan to cut the pipe yourself)

Brackets (2) 6” flat brackets (2) Hurricane bracket straps (6) 90 degree brackets (4) 45 degree brackets (adjustable angle)



Step 2: Cutting the 4×4’s

Cut the following:

(1) 43″ piece (used for T-shape)

(1) 36″ piece (used for T-shape)

(3) 7″ pieces (used for the “runners” on the bottom of the sled)

(2) 8.5″ pieces (used for support on top of the sled)

Step 3: Boring Holes

We’ll be boring 1-1/2″ holes in the 4×4 for our pipe. To do this job, you’ll need a 1-1/2″ hole boring drill bit.

Bore the following holes:

36″ piece – 2 holes. Each hole should be 7″ from each end.

43″ piece – 1 “half way-hole.” Hole should be 29″ from one end. DO NOT DRILL ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!

Two 7″ pieces – Bore a hole halfway through directly in the center. DO NOT DRILL ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!

Two 8.5″ pieces – Bore a hole 2” from all the way through.

Step 4: Pipe Cutting

A few notes: The pipe I used is a 1-1/4″ conduit pipe that comes in 10′ sections. It’s easy to cut and super cheap. It’s plenty strong for this project too. If you don’t want to cut pipe, you can buy the smaller sections of galvanized pipe, but it will cost more. You can purchase a skill saw blade that cuts conduit pipe for $2-$3.

Cut the following:

(2) 43″ pieces

(1) 18″ piece

Step 5: Putting It All Together and Bracing

Now we take all of your pieces and put them together, and add brackets and some wooden braces.

Step 6: PVC Cutting

I used PVC on my 7″ runner pieces, and it has worked out great. However, I only use my sled on grass. I like the PVC because it’s easily replaceable if it breaks or gets worn. You can really get creative here. You could use a bucket cut in half to secure to the bottom or you could use those hard plastic furniture movers. I am currently using PVC and am enjoying it, but I may try some other material in the future. Just keep that in mind.

After you have the center cut out, you will then cut the PVC into three 7.5” pieces.

Now Go Use It!

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Need help with this project or want to see some different garage gym DIY projects? Check out End of Three Fitness for a full list of garage gym DIY projects and other information. Jerred Moon at End of Three Fitness is helping people like you change their view of fitness; he didn’t start the revolution but he plans to finish it!