Do I absolutely need a barbell for PS Back, Biceps and Abs?

[Lesley]

Hi, everyone! This is my first time posting here; I frequent the Firm forum and Keta's forum under the nickname vegemite.

Anyway, I don't have the cash for a barbell right now. Are free weights good enough for the interim when using BBA? I want to get a barbell eventually, but it may be months until I can. (I have lots of other equipment I need!)

Thanks for any replies!

 

[competition bound]

Hi Lesley!! Do you have a bodybar?? That would substitute nicely. Of all of Cathe's videos, I would have to say that this is the one where you need a barbell the most. With Tbar rows you (IMHO) definately need a bar. And you can always sub dumbells for a barbell on biceps. Anyway, it could work without a barbell, with maybe taking the tbar rows out. Give it a shot!

Aimee

 

[Lesley]

That's what I was thinking. I can probably just skip T-bar moves until I get the barbell. Thanks for your reply!

 

[ErinF]

dumbell sub for t-bar rows

I always hate loading 1 end heavy and then having to stop and basically re-load my whole barbell again, so what I started doing instead of t-bar rows is this: I keep the same body position as in the t-bars and use 2 heavy dumbells. I make sure I'm extending my arms forward and toward the center, as though I'm holding a bar, and keeping my elbows in close to my body when I pull back and up, so I'm mimicing the motion of the t-bar row as much as possible. I feel it in the same muscles, but I get a greater range of motion.

I do enjoy having a barbell because there are some exercises that just feel better and more stable with it than with dumbells. Plus using both a barbell and dumbells you can keep those muscles confused! But until it's in the fitness budget to get one, you can come up with an adequate dumbell substitute for just about any barbell exercise.

The big difference you're going to see in Cathe's PS tapes is that you're going to be able to go heavier, because: 1.) She is only working 1 muscle group at a time. There aren't any compound moves like you often have in the Firm. 2.) She goes slower than most of the reps in Firm videos. My only point is to tell you not to be afraid to grab heavier weights. The worst that can happen ( if you're being careful and paying attention to form ) is that you'll have to switch to something lighter if you're really unable to use that weight. But you may surprise yourself by being able to lift heavier than you had thought. It's just my 2 cents. Take it or leave it! ;-)

Erin

 

[JULIER]

Great Suggestion!!!

I hated reloading the barbell too and so basically stopped doing that tape. But your suggestion has made me rethink going back to the tape. I also don't mind using free weights for most of the exercises even though it is a different experience. But if you don't have a barbell it is definitely doable. Don't worry.

 

[wendyloo]

RE: dumbell sub for t-bar rows

Good idea! Another one is to just load the weight onto the up end of the bar, but do so without removing the clip--so, the weights are on the end and can just be slid off when you are all done. Your bar is loaded with the correct weight for the next exercise already. You just have to be careful to not let those loose weights slide off!
Wendy

 

[starlight6]

Hi, Lesley - welcome to Cathe - you will love her! I am basically new to the forum also. I agree with the other answers, I personally use a body bar, but sometimes it is not heavy enough for me in which case I substitute heavy dumbells in the way already described. That is my favourite workout (so far - I'm really looking forward to Slow & Heavy!) I was hoping you could give me the web address for the Firm, since you frequent it, I have not been able to find it. Thanks! Ruth

 

[Lesley]

Hi! A link to the Firm forum can be found at the top of the Firm's Web site: www.firmdirect.com

 

[kristina]

Absolutely nope. The key is to find safe and effective substitutes. Consider posting this on the Cathe forum.
I suggest reverse dumbbell flies and lat rows (see the end of Circuit Max). You get more bang for your buck with lighter weight, as well.
I know how it is when you can't afford everything you need...I am still saving for a DVD player. My birthday is next month, God knows I dropped enough hints.

 

[Jane P]

I have a barbell, but don't use it much. I actually like dumbells better because, when I use a barbell, I tend to work harder on the right side than the left. With dumbells, you have no choice but to work equally hard on both sides.