STS Equipment Substitutes??

L

lindalu32

Member
Hi Everyone!

I'm DYING to start the STS, but I have a few questions. I've looked through the Guide and I see Cathe using the Push/Pull Tower. Is that really needed? If not, what should I use in place of it? Also, how do I know which bands and tubing to use? Is the weighted vest really needed? I do plan on watching the dvd's before I start the series, so maybe some of these questions will be answered then. Any info anyone can provide would be awesome! And if there are helpful hints to substitute any of the other equipment, that would be great too! I'm starting from scratch and I can see it can be a little costly. So far, the only equipment I have are the high step and dumbells up to 15 lbs....I know...not much :(
Thanks SO much for any help! :)

Linda
 
If you preview the disks, you'll see that she shows variations on using the Push/Pull Tower. I don't have one either and I just use tubing. I don't have a way to put it up high, so I attach it at about waist level and, basically, just do seated rows for now. You could also get a pull up bar that goes in your doorway if you want, too.

As for the weighted vest. You don't have to use it. I want one because I don't have enough weights to load on my bar for squats. I have pretty strong legs! I don't have one yet, so I do the best I can with what I have.

As what type of tubing or band - each color is a different tension. Get a set, they're pretty inexpensive, and try each one until you find the one with just the right tension to give you a good workout without being too easy or too hard.

For some of it, it's just trial and error!

Work with what you have to the best of your ability! You'll still see improvements! I don't have too much either. A lot of people started out with one set of dumbbells! As time goes on, you'll acquire some more equipment! I'm still working on it too! I have a step, but no high step, so a lot of my leg work is at a lower level than Cathe's because I have a different step that doesn't use the individual blocks!

Have fun with it!
 
I just finished week 1 and I don't have much equipment either. I used tubing in place of the tower and I only have dumbells so I have to modify the barbell exercises. I don't have a high step so I either use my regular one or a chair if possible. I found it helped to print out the workout cards and make notes on what I did and how I think it would work better for next time. Good luck!
 
I don't have the Tower but do have the Valor BD3 Squat Stands (there is a newer version that others on this forum have, too), which I have found to be invaluable. I use them to do pullups/chinups by placing the bar (barbell) on them and doing the lying version of the exercises that Cathe demonstrates. In Meso 2 I would not have been able to manage the weight I did in bench presses without having the stands to use to rack the weights between sets. I haven't done Meso 3 yet, but I know that without the stands I will not be able to get enough weight up over my head and onto my shoulders to be effective. At this point, too, is when the weighted vest comes in handy -- any time you are doing squats or lunges that require more weight than you can hold.
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Valor-Fitness-BD-3-Squat-Stands/3276027/product.html

This all presumes that you end up buying a barbell, which I believe you said you don't have at this time. Many (including me) use the Troy Lite set, which is one that is recommended by SNM. Another they recommend is a set that WalMart sells. I went with the Troy Lite because the weights are encased in rubber, which I need as a little more protection for my floors. I added onto the set with Reebok weight plates I bought at Target that have rubber edges to them.

http://fitness1st.com/Troy-Bars.html (look toward the middle of the page)

If you do a search on the boards about the squat stands and barbell you will find many helpful discussions.
 
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