S and H plies

[Lynda]

Cathe, I asked this awhile ago, but you were on vacation. On the plies in S and H, would it be a reasonable substitute for that 40 lbs. dumbbell to put a 20 lbs. dumbbell on each upper thigh? I don't want to buy the big guy unless it's absolutely necessary.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Placing the weights above your upper thigh makes it easier because the weight is supported by the thigh muscles. I think you would have a better equivalent if you put a 20 in each hand and hold it in the same area that we are holding ours. The weight of the dumbells pulling downward increases the intensity of the movement as well as the stretch.

Comfortable Hand Position When Holding Two Weights:

You can hold each dumbbell by the bar and have the thick ends of the weights face the front and back wall, so that your palms are facing one another. Keep your posture upright, avoid letting your shoulders round. Have your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart so at the bottom of the movement your knee does not ride past your big toe.

Good Luck!

 

[Lynda]

Wow, that was a fast response! Thanks--I will try it.