substitute free weights for barbells

[bebop]

Hi! Dear Cathe: I have been reading only great things about your videos and would like to try your strength training videos. I do not own barbells. I have been lifting weights for 2 years and am at an intermediate/advanced level. Can I substitute heavy free weights when you use barbells?

Also, which tape would you recommend to start with? Currently I use Joyce Verdral as my main program and pyramid 5/8/10 or 5/8/12 depending on the part. I can lift heavier if I don't pyramid. Also, I need some challenging ab exercises - my abs are in good shape and I need challenging work.

Any advise you can give will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SteppingFool]

I read a postin "Ask Cathe" recently (I tried to locate it but failed), and she did said it's OK to use dumbells. I prefer dumbells on most exercises since I tend to cheat and have my stronger side do all the work. It's also easier to manuever heavy dumbells rather than barbells when you do not have a spotter. About the only time I use barbells are for lunges and squats. Whenever you are ready to invest in a barbell, www.fitness1st.com has Troy Lite Barbell. It's only 5 lbs and 5 ft long.

About Cathe's strength tape, you can do a search on "Cathe Video Help" in the "Ask Cathe" forum where she explains the differences between all her strength videos. May be this will help you decide which ones suit your needs.

Good luck!

Haslina

 

[bebop]

Thanks! I am going to check out Cathe videos and probably order some this week!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi and nice to hear from you. Yes, you can substitute dumbbells for a barbell. I would recommend starting with the Pure Strength Series. If you would like to read more about these tapes and/or watch video clips of them, you can access this information from our home page in the left hand column. Good luck and enjoy!