Barbell weights

Y

Yvanna

Cathlete
Hello ladies,

I am interested in trying one of Cathe's workouts using a barbell; I have never used a barbell before - but have used a body bar (15lbs) in pilates for leg and arm work, and can do arm workouts with 5lb dumbells.

So - where do I begin? What would be a reasonable weight to start with in a barbell for say leg workouts and perhaps chest etc.

Oh -and a recommendation on a Cathe weighted workout using a barbell would also be appreciated :)

Thanks in advance,
Yve
 
Hi Yve,

Here's a link to a thread in the Video and DVD Questions and Comments forum. It's a guide that ranks all of Cathe's DVD's and you might find it helpful in choosing a workout that's right for you.

http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=46835&mesg_id=46835&page=

My personal favorite is Power Hour, a total body strength training workout. It's great for endurance work. Hopefully someone else will chime in here. I don't have many Cathe DVD's--yet! So I'm hardly an authority;-)

I bought the Troy Light System from Fitness 1st and I love it. Here's a link for that--I think the page opens up to bodybars, but scroll down a little ways and you'll see the Troy Lite barbells:

http://www.fitness1st.com/Troy-Bars.html

HTH

Michele:)
 
MuscleMax and Muscle Endurance are both fantastic full body weight workouts as well. And the bonus with Muscle Endurance is that Bootcamp comes on the same dvd.

As for what weight you should start with, I think you'll have to experiment with that a little. Cathe always says what weight she is using. I would go probably half of what she uses. The issue with legs when using a barbell is that you have to hoist the bar over your head. If you're only used to using 15 lbs, you may have a problem lifting, say, 40 lbs over your head, even if your legs are strong enough to squat with that amount of weight. You could try doing some of the leg work with dumbells to start, holding them at your sides.

Remember that smaller muscle groups (e.g. triceps, biceps...) generally use a lighter weight.

I hope that helps some:)
 
Thank you ladies -

Both of your posts are really helpful.

Off to Fitness Source I go!

Thanks again.

Yve
 
Yve,

I just saw your post in the Ask Cathe forum. You're a true inspiration! All my best to you and good luck with your workouts!

Michele:)
 
Yve,

I just saw your post in the Ask Cathe forum. You're a true inspiration! All my best to you and good luck with your workouts!

Michele:)
 
I'd say err on the side of caution. Going back to my first go with weight lifting (or at least first formal go), in a gym class, there was a formula for determining what weight to start out with depending on your weight and gender. I remember starting with a 25# barbell for squats and bench presses (but this was with safely racks).

Maybe do the workout the first time through with your 15# weight, see how it feels, and consider going up to 25# from there.

Best to learn perfect form with lighter weights than struggle with something too heavy.
 
Thank you, Kathryn.

I appreciate your input. Its true - my form suffers when I try to take on heavier than I normally do.

Maybe I will stick with the body bars for now - see how I make out once I have the workouts - and start increasing the weights from there.

Thanks again - Yve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top