Beginner weight training/what size?

[Lora]

I'm new to Cathe's Weight workouts. I have only done her cardio tapes but am thinking about buying the CTX. I've been told by some to get a body bar. But how do I know how heavy of a one to get? The only weight workouts I've done are Karen Voights Great Weighted Workout and a few Firm ones. I'm a beginner. On G.W.W I can only do it with a 3# weight. Also how much do these body bars cost. I need to buy a longer step too. Anyone have one for sale? Lora

 

[Aimee]

Hi Lora!!

Can't help you with the step, I have a short one too

! The body bar starts at 9lbs. I think you should use 3 and 5lb hand weights, and a 9 or 12lbs bodybar. I'm wanting to tell you to just go with the 12lb one, but since I don't know your strength level, I'm keeping my mouth shut. The cheapest I've seen them is about $25.00. But I really love mine! Of course I just went and got a barbell last week, so I haven't used the bodybar at all, but they ARE nice

!! Good Luck Laura!!

 

[Lora]

Many thanks

I will check it out. Lora

 

[EileenS]

Think about your long term goals, too

Lora,

I'm a more-or-less beginner with weights, myself. I bought a 9-lb body bar, but I've outgrown it for a lot of things already. It's still useful for some things, though, so it wasn't a wasted purchase.

You might consider what your long term weight goals are, and whether starting to put together a barbell set would be worth it. I now have a barbell (10 lbs. empty), two dumbell bars (about 3 lbs empty), and about 50 lbs of mostly smaller weight plates (lots of 1.25 lb plates, some 2.5, four 5 lb, and two 10 lb plates). I also have a few pairs of dumbbells in small weights (3, 4, and 5 lbs) just to keep from changing the weights around on the dumbbell bars too much.

I started using the empty bar instead of a body bar (the only difference is the padding), then added a couple of pounds every few weeks. With a barbell set and not too many plates, you can have a great range of weights, allowing your set to grow with you.

I've been getting my weight gear at a used sporting goods store (Play It Again Sports), so it has been both cheap and easy to mix'n'match on weights. You can start with just the bar and then buy more weights as you grow.

Anyway, just an idea from another beginner. Have fun!