Equipment questions for STS

[bethlakey]

I have been thinking about purchasing STS and this would be my first Cathe workout. I have Bowflex dumbbells. Would you recommend investing in a barbell and is there a particular one you all have found to be best? Also, I noticed a step is used in many of her workouts. Have you had to purchase additional risers? I appreciate any advice, and please let me know if I'm missing something.

Thanks!!
Beth

[horsing around]

Hi Beth,

Here is a link from a thread last month that gives some pretty good information (What equipment do I need?). Hope this helps.

I finished the first mesocyle last week and am glad I bought the program.

Lisa

[bethlakey]

Thank you, great information. Did you find you needed squat racks? I will need to get a step and barball, wasn't sure about the racks. I believe I have everything else.

Thanks!!

[zippity]

Hi, I'm the person who asked this question last month...one month into the program, I have a few suggestions...

If you get a barbell, make sure it is a good quality barbell with large collars (the screw on thingys that keep the weights on the bar). I got a Gold's gym barbell and the collars are so small it takes extra time to change weights. If possible, get the spring collars for quickest weight changes.

I also recommend getting the Cathe stretchy bands...mine are fine, but they stretch differently than Cathe's bands so I have trouble finding correct form for each exercise.

I don't know if Cathe sells slanted/angled risers for steps, but they're great for turning the step into an incline/decline bench. Here's a link if you don't know what an angled riser is: http://www.power-systems.com/showpro...-slanted-riser

You might need a squat rack for security if no one is around to spot you when you lift. If you don't want to buy a squat rack and don't use really heavy weights for squats, then you could use a 20lb weight vest and dumbells.

Also, get dinner plate sized flat paper plates-Cathe does several torture sessions, I mean exercises, using them.

Good luck-You're going to love STS!

[bethlakey]

Thank you so much, that is very helpful. I think I need to save up for the equipment and then the DVDs. I wished she sold everything here, like a startup STS package.

One more thing, do you feel you are getting enough workout for your legs? There is one leg day, right?

Thanks!!

[bethlakey]

p.s. thanks again about the barbell comment. I don't know a lot about them so I will need to do some research. ~Beth

[zippity]

Originally Posted by bethlakey

Thank you so much, that is very helpful. I think I need to save up for the equipment and then the DVDs. I wished she sold everything here, like a startup STS package.

One more thing, do you feel you are getting enough workout for your legs? There is one leg day, right?

Thanks!!

I'd get the DVDs first, then purchase equipment as you are able. Even if you have to modify the exercises around your equipment, you'll still get the benefit of the workout.

The leg workout is enough, more than enough. Any more and I couldn't walk the next day! It's the most difficult leg workout I've ever done!

[horsing around]

I did not purchase a squat rack. There are 2 options for M3, 1 w/ the rack and 1 w/o. I plan to do the one w/o which incorporates more plyo moves.

I was doing the STS strength/cardio workout for M1. For M2, I'm going to use my treadmill over some of the cardio workouts. My legs seem to bulk so I want to do more walking/running than I did in M1. I wish my lower body leaned out as quickly as my upper body. After not using my treadmill for a month, my jeans fit a little tighter, but I'm not giving up on STS!

Lisa

[bethlakey]

Thank you both. I am trying to build muscle in my legs; I wish they were more curvy. This sounds like a great workout. I was debating on getting P90x but I think STS will fit my needs better. I've also heard you get a firmer butt from barbell squats, so I really want one. I'll do some shopping around, maybe Sears has something. Thanks for the info on the squat racks, I was trying to figure out how you would pick the barbell up without one. As you can see I have a lot to learn,

[buneknek]

Beth you are going to fall in love @ Cathe's workout. Have you consider maybe getting some of her other DVD? I think at open discussion forum somebody asked what is their 6 favorite DVD & you can get ideas what fits for you considering that you don't have the equipment for STS.