Equipment needed for new Intensity series

F

Faythe

Cathlete
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Nov-15-02 AT 05:35PM (Est)[/font][p]Cathe,
Love the photos so far, looks like the taping is going well for the new Intensity series. My question is, besides a step and weights, what equipment is needed for the new Intensity series? I heard in one of the posts, an 8# medicine ball mentioned.
I want to be prep'ed for when they come out. (hopefully by Christmas);-)
Thanks
Faythe
 
As far as I know, the only additional equipment is a stability ball (the big, air-filled balls) and a medicin ball, but both of these are optional, as there will be modifications shown without them. I would recommend getting them, though, as they add so much to a workout.
 
Thanks the the info Kathryn! I already have a stability ball, which I never use. (kept falling off of, maybe it's too big for me??) :-hummm
And I am trying to find a medicine ball that is 8 lbs. I went to Sport Authority and looked on the internet and they are not cheap. They range from $35. - $40. :-wow
But it's on my Christmas list for DH to buy. At least it's all I need to get. I like to have what they recommend on the tape within reason.
Thanks again.
Faythe
 
At Walmart.com they have medicine balls for around $16, they're 10# though not 8# like Cathe uses in her videos. I also saw stability balls and the Super Step on their website. Did anyone notice if Cathe uses the Super Step in her new videos?

Jacque
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Nov-18-02 AT 07:39PM (Est)[/font][p]sorry double post
 
What's a super step? Is that the small sqare step? Re: the 8# vs 10#, I don't know if it will make that much of a difference, but I would like to get the 8#. I'd actually like a whole set, but not at the price they sell them for. I'll keep looking and if it gets too late, I'll get the 10#. That's a great deal at walmart.com, I'll look into that if I can't find the 8#.
Thanks, Faythe
 
Hi Faythe,
The Super Step is the large black/gray step that Cathe uses in the Slow and Heavy Series and Power Hour videos. It's not made for stepping just weight training. On Cathe's home page you can click on the Power Hour description and it'll show you a picture of it. I've been debating whether or not to buy one. I'm not sure what the advantages are over a regular step bench. If anyone out there has one I'd like to hear your comments on it.

Thanks,
Jacque
 
Hi Jacque!

I have both the SuperStep and the Regular Step. I personally would NOT use the SuperStep for stepping, only weight work. It is not very stable for stepping. (unless you use only the platform) It tends to be a bit top heavy is the best way I can describe it. You even have to be careful doing such things as step-ups and dips off the step as it can wobble. You really have to pay attention to distributing your weight equally. I love it for weight work on my back or for sitting and for inclines. My opinion would be to get the regular step if you want it for stepping. I personally am glad I have both...BUT it is not neccesary. Hope this helps a bit.

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Check out the open forum for leads on a medicine ball. Honeybunch found one (8#?) at D*ck's for under $20. Debbie H wisely pointed out we might be a little too gung-ho if we think we can use a 10# ball when Cathe's using 8#.

I've used my original step for years as my weight bench. Using it as a slant board is not a problem. I do have an extra set of risers (3 at each end). DH seems satisfied with it too for his weight work when he can't get to the gym.

I suspect the old "Rubbermaid" step stool will work as a cheap sub for the 12-14" tall box. I have a Canadian version that DH found at a hardware store but Target type stores are a great resource too.

Cathe's already posted that one could use dumbbells instead of a bar on the strength workouts.

I purchased my fitness ball through Gaim (Living Arts) as a package with videos. But I see similar balls on sale at the mega sports stores all the time. Keep an eye out on Target ads, there regular price isn't less than Gaim's but watch for sales.

Can you tell I have a little Scotch thriftiness running through my veins?

Debra
 
Well, I am the queen cheapskate. My hubby built a wooden step up stool for me back in my Firm days that's exactly like the ones they were selling. I use it for leg presses. The weight work that Cathe does on the bench I do on the floor. Can't tell that it makes much difference. She's always saying, "Don't let your elbows go below the bench." When you're on the floor, you don't have to worry about that! Ha.

When it comes time to do incline chest work, I prop one of hubby's flat electric guitar cases against the stool at my choice of angles and sit on the floor with my back leaning against it. It works great! Hey, I'm nothing if not resourceful.

Angela
 
RE: Hi Jacque!

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for your input. I do have a regular step bench that I use for stepping and extra risers I can put under it for weight work. I was just wondering if there was really an advantage in using the Super Step for the weight work rather than a regular step bench. My DH is going to go nuts when he finds out how much money I've been spending (the new videos, medicine ball, stability ball, not to mention the new top from 5th Element and the new Ryka shoes that Cathe so thoughtfully gave us the link to in another post:) Oh well, it's all in the name of fitness right?

Jacque
 
On the topic of medicine balls, I have to say that I think a 10 pound ball would be pretty tough-maybe I'm a bit of a wimp, but I still find my 4 pound ball challenging when I use it in the odd Mindy workout-I could maybe use a 6 pounder but I have no intention of trying these new cathes even with an 8!!

Christine
 
RE: Equipment questions

I own a sand-filled 8 lb. ball and hate it! When I sweat it slips all over. I saw the ball Cathe uses on fwonline.com and it was around 40 bucks. So I went to Sportmart. They have an orange one there too, for 43 bucks! If anyone finds a stable one for cheaper, please let me know. Also, I have never owned a stability ball and want to buy a good one. I am 5'7" so I am not sure what size to get. Does anyone have one purchased from Target/Walmart that they like? Thanks!!!!
 
RE: Equipment questions

I bought my stability ball at Collage Video and I think it's too big for me. ($30.00 with the pump) I fall off it a lot. The other day my DH was fixing up my gym (in the basement) with a nice stereo system we had in the attic. I can really feel the music now, feel like I'm in a real gym. Anyway, I was sitting on it, waiting for him to finish and he was kidding around and moved the ball and I fell flat on my face. It looked like a show from Lucille Ball. I need to learn to balance myself, that's for sure. But in any case I'm only 5ft3in and I think I need a smaller ball, but will just learn to use what have. maybe if I take some air out of it?
I have to find a medicine ball and even the used one's are expensive on Ebay. Maybe I'll try a 5#, but I think I'll eventually want a 8#, so i may as well start off with that one.
Faythe
 
RE: Equipment questions

I have a full set of OOOF balls, which are solid core medicine balls with bumps on the outside. They don't shift at all, and are extremely well balanced. You can get individual weighted balls at ooofball.com for less than $40, depending on weight.
 
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