Equipment Needs for STS

[jewels5]

I've been itching to get STS for some time now, but it's getting to the point where I'm thinking of it daily! What's been holding me back (aside from the cost) is not knowing what equipment I need.

My dumbbells only go up to 15 pounds, and my barbell (including the bar) has weights that will total up to 38 pounds. I bugs me that it weighs 13 pounds, but it's what I have.

Do I need more dumbbells AND more weights for the barbell? Also, if I do need more dumbbells do I get two of each size at this point or just one? I've thought about the weighted vest but am not sure what size for that either. I guess it's obvious I'm clueless. I just don't want to put it off any longer due to feeling overwhelmed!

Thanks for your help!

Julie

 

[jewels5]

Just ordered STS! I'll eventually figure the weight stuff out. I'm so excited!

 

[geomom]

Julie, if you do the one rep max tests, that will give you an idea of what you need to get. Dumbbells are more flexible, but additional plates for your barbell shouldn't be too expensive. You can do most if not all of the barbell stuff with db's so that's where I'd start. I think you'd need at least 20's. That would get you to 40 pounds and you could get a start. For the really heavy stuff it might be cheaper to go with additional plates for your bb. I often use my bb when Cathe is usiing db's because my bb is easier to hold (deadlifts and squats in meso 1 for example).

 

[jewels5]

Thanks, geomom! That helps a lot! I was hesitant to even start the one rep max tests yet due to my lack of weights. I'm definitely going to get some 20s before starting.

Thanks again - I really appreciate your advice.

Julie

 

[Dela]

I agree that a pair of 20 lb. dumbbells is wise, then see from there where to go. I go up to 35's and use the 35's during some leg work, but may have been worth saving the money on them, they are pricey.

I also found getting 2 and 3 pound wrist weights very useful to add the smaller weight increments for shoulder and other arm work.

The step with slanted risers are great if you don't already have an adjustable bench.

Stability ball.

Check out Walmart for either extra plates or a whole set of barbells. I bought 2 sets of dumbbells from amazon a while back, they total 100 pounds each, and have a lighter shorter bar that I prefer for these types of workouts. Link below to amazon where I bought mine. I have had these and used them for years, love them.

http://www.amazon.com/US-Weight-100...8Y92/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289273515&sr=8-2

Little stuff:
Paper plates
resistance bands, at least one medium shoud be enough
Cathe also sells the firewalker loops, but they are back ordered, I am waiting on mine.
Tubing for pulldowns to substitute pull ups.
2 and 3 pound wrist weights
10 pound vest is not necessary but, it was very useful during leg work when the weights got too heavey to hold.

Really nice to have, but not required

The push pull tower (or power tower), was fantastic for chest work, it was nice to know you could really go as heavy as possible with the assistance of the tower.

 

[jewels5]

Wow, Dela, thanks so much for the details!

I have everything but the vest, and don't even know how the tubing would be used. I have a step, but it's not Cathe's (totally regret this for several reasons) so I don't have the slanted risers, but I make do when necessary.

And thanks for the link for the barbell too. It looks much better than mine that I purchased from a second hand store. Mine is way too long, so I'm hoping to someday purchase a shorter, lighter weight one. Which brings up a question: Is there a certain advantage to the bar itself not weighing much?

One day I would like to purchase the push pull tower, but I'm still trying to convince my husband that I needed STS first.

Thanks again! My kids have been sick all week and I have to get them healthy before I focus on this 100%. Can't wait to get started!

 

[Dela]

The tubing can be used to substitute the pull ups, but you need a way to attach it to something. There is this little attachment that comes with the cathe tubing that allows you to thread the tubing through it, and then hang the piece of the door, then shut the door, and you can do pull downs with the tubes. I think you can buy that little thing, but for the life of me can't think of what it's called.

I have a heavier longer bar, that I actually bought specifically to work with the tower, it weighs about 15 pounds. I really only use it with the tower for chest work. I'm not sure if there is really an advantage to the lighter bar, except I guess a little more flexibility in how much weight you use, but for me, I really prefer it over the longer bar for all of Cathe's dvds, it's the perfect size, and you can move it around and out of the way easily. Also, the lighter bar that comes with that set is really comfortable to hold, I don't use gloves. The only disadvantage I can see is, it's too short to work with the tower, but you have the longer one for that, and I think there is likely some sort of weight limit on it that is much less than the heavier bars, I think I got mine up to the 80 pound range with no problems, but really how much heavier will I need

Hope the kids are getting better and have fun with STS!

 

[jewels5]

Thanks again, Dela!

I am seriously thinking about getting that barbell you recommended. It looks like a great deal. And I think I may have found a good deal on a pull up bar. I'm so excited!