For the past 2-3 months I've been doing either BodyPump (at home with a video) MIS, Powerhour, or the PS Series. I have the bodypump weight bar and weights and dumbbells up to 10 lbs. The problem is that for the leg portions I've been using the max on the barbell (45 lbs). I'm concerned that I have no where to improve now without more weight. I've tossed the idea of going back to the gym to lift weights (since they have much more wieghts) but I really enjoy working out at home. Can I buy more weights for my barbell or is sticking with the 45 lbs enough? I don't want to get into a plateau. I could use 12-15 lbs for the upper body but the barbell still has plenty of weight on it. Any suggestions?
heavier weights for legs?
- Thread starter Cbelle
- Start date
I'm a certified Body Pump instructor and have a few questions. How often are you doing the program? Part of the issue may be related to a few things: you probably bought Body Pumps commercial equipment as the maximum weight you mentioned only goes up to 45lbs. The actual equipment, when ordered from their website, Bodytrainingsystems.com, goes up to 90lbs. but this might not be available to non-instructors. Second, Body Pump "releases" new music and choreography every 3 months, thereby changing the routine and continually re-challenging the muscles. It sounds as though you may only have access to one tape and therefore are susceptible to hitting a plateau.
Let me know what you're doing and maybe we can contact Body Training Systems (the same number for Cathe: 800-SAY-STEP)and see if they plan to release additional videos for the general public.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know what you're doing and maybe we can contact Body Training Systems (the same number for Cathe: 800-SAY-STEP)and see if they plan to release additional videos for the general public.
Hope this is helpful.
I bought the bar and the BodyPump tape from their website at Bodytraingsystems.com......I know mine only goes to 45 lbs but I had no idea it could go up to 90!
While I only have the one tape specifically BodyPump, CAthe's Powerhour and MIS are similar (MIS is slightly more towards strength gains rather than endurance however). Plus I also am an instructor and teach my own version of BodyPump (not certifed thru them so I can't call it BodyPUmp obviously). I always try to change the choreography so I'm not doing the smae thing over and over each week.
If I could buy more weight plates that would be the best solution although to be honest I can't really imagine getting much more on my back without a spotter or a squat rack.
While I only have the one tape specifically BodyPump, CAthe's Powerhour and MIS are similar (MIS is slightly more towards strength gains rather than endurance however). Plus I also am an instructor and teach my own version of BodyPump (not certifed thru them so I can't call it BodyPUmp obviously). I always try to change the choreography so I'm not doing the smae thing over and over each week.
If I could buy more weight plates that would be the best solution although to be honest I can't really imagine getting much more on my back without a spotter or a squat rack.
O.K. Here's what I suggest. See if you can order more plates from Body Pump. As far as getting the bar up for more weight, as you get stronger it will be easier. I have been teaching for almost three years and JUST increased to 46 lbs.( the bar plus two large plates). I could to 50.4 lbs. (add small plates to each end) but I started having low-back stuff so I dropped down. I Clean-and-Press my bar up and onto my back and the up and off my back. I'm 5'2". Hope this helps.
jgoycoolea
Cathlete
I have the same "hoisting it over my head" problem with heavy squats. Have you ever tried front squats to deal with this? (not that I have, just asking) Jeanne
Aquajock
Cathlete
RE: Non-Body-Pump suggestions:
Invest in the Slow and Heavy Series; the leg workout involves pre-exhaust reps and then ultra-slow reps, specifically because your legs will strengthen to the point where they can take more of a weight load than you can safely hoist over your head.
And/or:
Invest in an adjustable weight vest as a means of increasing your weight load without trying to hoist up to 90 pounds over your head. You can find these online or in any decent sporting goods / exercise store (SportMart).
Annette
Invest in the Slow and Heavy Series; the leg workout involves pre-exhaust reps and then ultra-slow reps, specifically because your legs will strengthen to the point where they can take more of a weight load than you can safely hoist over your head.
And/or:
Invest in an adjustable weight vest as a means of increasing your weight load without trying to hoist up to 90 pounds over your head. You can find these online or in any decent sporting goods / exercise store (SportMart).
Annette