From Scrap Wood to Game Changer: How I Built the Tonal Accessory Anchor

Introduction: Health, Fitness, and My Battle with Clutter

Turning 40 was a wake-up call. It wasn’t just about blowing out more candles; it was about realizing my health wasn’t going to take care of itself. One day, after stepping on the scale and seeing the needle move the wrong direction, I knew it was time for a change. Something had to give, and it wasn’t going to be my knees! Running? Nope, not my thing. So, I went on a quest to find the perfect fitness solution—and that’s when I discovered Tonal. It was sleek, efficient, and gave me a way to work out without hitting the pavement. Perfect!

But while Tonal ticked all the right boxes for my workouts, it had one glaring flaw: the accessories. The handles, ropes, and bars? They were constantly on the floor, taunting me. My OCD couldn’t take it. Seeing that pile of fitness gear every time I walked into the room was like nails on a chalkboard. Something had to be done.

When I finished my basement, I planned ahead by installing electrical and LAN connections on the wall specifically for Tonal. Little did I know until installation day that Tonal doesn’t use LAN, and you can’t mount it over an outlet. This left me with a cord awkwardly running up the wall to a middle-of-the-wall plug—a far cry from the tidy setup I envisioned.

Enter the Tonal Accessory Anchor.

The Inspiration: Fighting the Mess with Creativity

Armed with the realization that I couldn’t live with my workout gear in chaos, I turned to my trusty woodworking skills. I had some scrap Ash wood lying around in the shop and thought, "Why not turn this mess into something useful?" With that, I set out to design a wall-mounted organizer that could handle everything—and look good doing it.

The Design Process: Adding a Touch of Maple Magic

The idea started simple: something on the wall to hold Tonal accessories. But as I sketched out the design, I realized it needed hooks of some sort for the rope and handles. That’s where the spare rods of maple came in. They were perfect for holding the ropes and handles securely.

Because the Tonal took up half the wall, and I had an outlet in the middle of the other half, I had to account for the plug and outlet.

The stain I chose had to complement the rest of the room. After all, this wasn’t just a gym accessory; it was a piece of furniture. The finished look blended seamlessly with the decor, giving the space a clean, cohesive vibe.

Building the Anchor: From Scrap to Sophistication

Building the Tonal Accessory Anchor wasn’t just a casual project; it was a race against the clock. With Christmas around the corner and my house set to host the entire family—yes, all 50 of them—I had a deadline. The pressure was on to clean up the gym area before everyone arrived, but if I’m being honest, I also wanted to show off my woodworking skills. There’s nothing like a holiday audience to add a little excitement to a project! After all, what better way to impress family than with a custom-made piece that’s both practical and stylish?

Using the Ash wood for the base and incorporating the maple rods, I constructed a prototype. I laid out all the equipment to figure out how much space I would need for things to hang and to keep it as compact as possible. It took me a week or two of designing in my head but only two days to build, stain, and mount it—just in time for the party! I also included an optional cutout for power outlets and routed a groove on the backside to account for the cord and plug—further easing my OCD by managing the cord. The final design wasn’t just functional; it was a game changer. It held everything: handles, bars, ropes, even a spot for a towel, water bottle, or phone. And the best part? Everything was off the floor and within arm’s reach. No more tripping over gym gear!

A Fitness Game Changer (and OCD Saver)

Mounting the Tonal Accessory Anchor on the wall felt like a victory lap. Not only did it ease my OCD, but it also made my workouts smoother. I didn’t have to dig through a pile of gear or wonder where I left something. Everything was neatly put away yet easily accessible. It’s amazing how a little organization can bring so much peace of mind.

From Personal Fix to Popular Product

Initially, this was just a personal project to keep my gym space tidy. But when I shared it with friends, they loved it. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one annoyed by Tonal’s accessory sprawl. That’s when I decided to offer the Tonal Accessory Anchor as part of the Henry Hardwood lineup.

Each piece is handcrafted with care, using quality materials to ensure it stands up to daily use. And because I understand that no two spaces are the same, I offer customization options to make sure it’s the perfect fit for your home gym.

Conclusion: Turning Chaos into Craftsmanship

The Tonal Accessory Anchor is more than just an organizer. It’s a testament to how a little creativity (and a lot of OCD) can turn a frustrating problem into a functional, beautiful solution. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just someone who loves a tidy space, this piece proves that organization doesn’t have to come at the cost of style.

So, if you’re tired of tripping over your workout gear, check out the Tonal Accessory Anchor. Who knows? It might just bring a little order—and joy—to your space too.