Equipment for best results?

K

karate_chick

Cathlete
Hi Everyone!

I'm going to be buying STS in a few weeks, ready to start at the end of September. I know Cathe lists the equipment needed but I'd like comments from people that've already completed STS as to what works best, using certain equipment.

I currently don't have a barbell (have modified with dumbells in the past) but would willingly buy one if it get better results - or do dumbells work just as well?

Have you found you need weights which go up in smaller increments with STS or have you been OK with the weight you already have (my 'heavier' weights increase in 5kgs - 10-35kg - is this too much of a jump)?

Any advice is welcome as I want to be as prepared as possible.
TIA
 
If you don't already have it, I really think you need something to help you with the microloading. Either the pace weights, pace mates, weighted gloves or ankle weights.

I'm almost finished M2 and I really do need a spotter to help me lift the BB up for bench presses. I'm finding it hurts my shoulder trying to lay back down on the bench and heave the BB up into the air. I can't wait for the Power Tower which I pre-ordered as this would really help.

Do you have a Step with enough risers for leg presses?
 
With Meso 1, a barbell is certainly helpful because the workouts move so fast that it works much better to have everything set up as far in advance as possible.

Thinking about that first comment, I do have pace weights and a lot of that 30 second rest in meso 1 is spent making non-standard weights, i.e. the 13# db's.

I think you could certainly do STS without a barbell if your db's go up high enough, and you could do it without one of the microloading options, but to stay true to the spirit of the workouts, the microloading, in particular, is helpful. Small muscle groups have a hard time making bigger incremental jumps and the ability to go up 1/2 a pound is helpful.

Of course, I assume you have the standard step, high step, chair, band, etc. I also bought a pull-up tower, and again, you'll need something of that nature if you plan to do the workout as presented.

Above poster mentions a spotter and I did use DH in Meso 3 for chest work. Couldn't have done it without him.
 
pace weights?

I was going to post the same question this morning about what equipment is really needed to complete Meso #2. Just wondering what are pace weights. I can see from completing some of my 1RMs that the weight amount is in between my dumbell amounts. I need to be able to go up in weight in small amounts. Any suggestions on equipment you have bought would be appreciated. At this point I only have dumbells up to 20 pounds, a stability ball and a band. I've been working out mainly at our local gym but now I'm looking at something to take it up a notch. Thanks for your input.
 
It doesn't look like we can get pace weights over here in the UK:( but we're coming over to the States in a few weeks for our holiday (to Vegas). Does anyone know if there's anywhere on the strip that would sell them (on the off-chance)?

Has anyone done STS with a squat rack? I'm trying to decide whether to get one or not?

TIA
 
pace weights ordered

I answered my own question and just googled pace weights. I know have an 18 set on the way. Looks like these will work great! Still would like some input on other equipment people feel is necessary to achieve good results.
Thanks
 
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