size of weight bar?

[VintageGal]

I'm trying to gather equipment for STS Meso #2. I was wondering what size of weight bar I should purchase for using the free weights. I'm seeing a 5 foot and 7 foot bar. Any recommendations? Also I need to purchase a step. I'm looking at purchasing a step through Cathe's shop, a high step and the slanted risers. Does that seem right for the equipment needs of this program?
Thanks

 

[kathryn]

Some things to consider are how much are you going to lift, and what exercises are you going to use the bar for?

Many 7' bars weigh 40-45# and take Olympic weight plates (which have 2" openings). They would be fine for lower body work, and some back and chest work, but overall, I think if you are just getting one barbell for home use, a lighter/shorter one would be best.

Many of us here use the Troy Lite barbell (which Cathe uses in some of her workouts). It is nice and compact, and the bar itself weighs only 4.5-5#. The plates are standard weight plates with 1" openings (and are nicely rubber coated, so they won't rust). If you plan to lift heavier than 85#, you could still use this bar with the addition of a weighted vest or weight belt.

There are other bars that use standard weights but are longer and heavier than the Troy Lite bars.

This doesn't give you 'the answer,' but I hope it helps you make the decision easier!

(I have two Troy Lite barbells, and I love them! I got the second one when I was doing the Pyramid workouts, and didn't want to do so much loading and unloading of the barbell during PLB).

(FYI: both barbells and dumbells are considered "freeweights"--that is, not attached to a machine. I think what you might mean in your post is "weight plates"?)

 

[VintageGal]

Thanks for info.

Thank you for the great information! I was leaning towards the 5 foot bar so I think that's what I'll look for and yes I should have said weight plates. Any input on the steps that I commented on in the first post would be appreciated too.
Thanks again

 

[worseenemy]

step

For the step, you can get the set as it is it comes with 4 risers, and maybe 4 more extra risers, and for the High step you will need only the topper, and the slanders, so you can do the incline work. Everything work together.
I have 8 risers and that work just fine for me.






COUNTING DAYS
6 more weeks until my DH get back home.
Eunice

 

[krassymira]

I have a 5 feet bar but recently had to buy a 7 feet one which weights 20 lbs and holds 1" plates. The reason I did this is because I bought a Valor squat rack and my old barbell was too short for it. Its something to think about - for Meso 3 I decided to do the squat rack routine. I find, like Kathryn, that having two barbells has its advantages.
About the slanted risers - I have a pair but I am not using them because I also bought the bench the guys are using in STS. It is fantastic! If you want, I can ship you my slanted risers for a discounted price! I'm serious, let me know!
Krasy

 

[kathryn]

One thing about the slanted risers: if you stack them together to make a 'square', then put the high-step topper on, they are the height of the topper with 3 risers (10"). You can also put other risers on top or below them.

 

[Shadowpup]

I'm very happy with the barbell I bought - a 5' one, that can handle up to about 140 pounds. It's the one that goes on sale at Walmart from time to time; there are links posted here, which is how I found it. It fits in the small space I have very nicely. However, I'm thinking I will need a second stronger one in a year or two. The reason is deadlifts. I've got a weighted vest that goes up to 40 pounds, and I can pair that with my select tech dumbbells for everything I need in squats. The select tech dumbbells go to 90#, and so far I haven't needed more than 45 pounds each. Plenty of room to grow. But my deadlifts are hitting 115 in second week of Meso 3, and I don't personally feel that the weighted vest is a good option for increasing the intensity of those. I almost doubled my deadlift capacity based on the 1RM tests using STS ... am guessing that's a one time thing Still, you might want to think about what your predicted 1RM deadlift is, and use that as a guide to how much weight your barbell needs to hold. Also, as mentioned, you'll find that the expensive part is probably going to be the plates, so you'll want to stick with one size hole or the other.

I also highly, highly recommend SelectTech or other dial-in dumbbells to keep from having to buy new dumbbells all the time as you get stronger. Another option is the bar-style free weights, but I can't change those fast enough even with extra clips to keep up with Cathe. Speaking of making changes, I love my plate-mates, pace-mates, and weighted gloves, for handling those micro-weight increases that turn out to be such a wonderful way to train. Am checking out a similar arrangement for barbells. And, I found that two weighted vests works for me: the lighter one is set for walks, and the heavier one is set for squats. My forearms have trouble holding really heavy weights for long, so putting some of the weight in the vest works really well. I try to hold as much as I can in my hand, and then put the rest in the vest - that's how I decide how to split the load.

Other equipment ... I also absolutely love my IronMaster bench. It is *so* easy to change the angle! It's made my incline work much safer and more enjoyable than the old "TransFIRMER" incline step I'd been using. It also can be purchased with a bar that will allow a person to do decline work, though I haven't done that yet, and there's an optional dip bar and pullup attachment as well.

Rather than paper plates I've found that the "glides" work well for me on carpet, and of course there is the stability ball and one or two resistance bands.

BTW, by no means do you really "need" all of the above, but it sure is handy! And it has made it much easier for my husband to buy me gifts this year I've been steadily accumulating the pieces all year, mostly based on recommendations from others in the forum.

 

[dr.mel_PT]

I'm very happy with the barbell I bought - a 5' one, that can handle up to about 140 pounds. It's the one that goes on sale at Walmart from time to time; there are links posted here, which is how I found it.

I can't find this anywhere...I tend to easily miss things anyway lol. Can you post the name or the site where I can find it?

 

[NY25]

Another thing you will want to keep very much in mind, is your space. Equipment can build up very quickly and unless you have a separate space/room, you should keep in mind how/where you will store it all and if it will remain in that location or if you have to move stuff around, etc. It can get out of control very quickly if you don't plan appropriately.