Which would be best - bench or step?

M

Meddy

Member
Hello, I wondered if I could please have a bit of advice?

I've decided to quit my gym membership and use the money saved to get STS instead to do at home. I'm just making a list of equipment but what I can't decide is whether to buy a weight bench or a step?

I've got an existing step (which I used for some of Cathe's step DVDs) but it's not as good as the club step and can't go high enough to make a bench, so I'd be looking to buy that one, with some extra risers, and the slanted risers. So that option would have the advantage that I could use it for step cardio and it goes lower (and higher!) than my existing one.

Alternatively, it would cost about the same amount to buy a dedicated weight bench instead - I haven't got much space but there are quite a few good folding ones out there. Would that be better for me than using a step as a bench? Will there be a point if, even with the step as a bench, I'll start thinking "Oh, I wish I had a proper bench instead?" What do you think would be the best?

Thanks in advance!
Meddy
 
IMO, if you can afford a bench, get one.

They are so much nicer, and allow for more variety in angles (flat, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees--for support doing shoulder presses). The height is just perfect for putting a hand on for support doing lat rows. They are also narrower than a step, and more comfortable (IMO) for certain moves.

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PFI...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1258045426&sr=8-1 and I really like it!

ETA: by the way: welcome to the forums!
 
I agree with Kathryn; if you can afford one, go for the bench. They are way more comfortable than the step. It would also be more functional for you to have 1 of these rather than 2 steps!
 
Bench

I would have to disagree. I had a bench and the reason I got the step with the extra risers was for 1.) Multiple Uses (step workouts, weight workouts, ply workouts etc..) 2.) Ease of setup and storage 3.) Mobility

I do not workout in the same room where my tv is and where my equipment is stored so I liked having the ability to move the step and the risers around easily from room to room. I also liked the fact that I was going to be able to use the bench for multiple things and not just for lifting weights. The step probably is not as comfortable as the bench but it is by no means uncomfortable. Cathe and her team will be releasing a special mat to place on the bench specifically for use during weight lifting routines. I think it is scheduled to come out in time for the Christmas Season.

I think everyone has their preference but I just wanted to let you know why I prefer the step to a bench.

Hope this helps.
 
I think it also depends on how much weight you are bench pressing. The first time I had to do bench presses in STS my barbell was close to 60 pounds. It just isn't safe to pick up heavy weights on a barbell and then trying to lay back onto a step and then try and hoist it up to your chest. Plus you also have to manage getting up with it at the end of the set when your arms are fatigued.

I have an old step too but because of this, I had to invest in a bench and a rack with a safety feature. Unfortunately I ran into the same thing with my legs. I thought I would only need a squat rack in Meso 3 IF I opted to do those add-on workouts. However, my first set of squats in Meso 1 was with a 64-pound barbell. Again, too heavy to safely hoist up and down so I had to invest in a squat rack as well.

Of course, both were a great investment and I am loving STS. I wouldn't be able to do it without the additional equipment though.

My husband went and bought the stuff and after we got it all in and set up he said, "Merry Christmas!"
 
Thanks very much to all of you - it seems that the votes are mostly in favour of a bench, which I was leaning towards. Of course, lhicks1354, I see your points about the step (especially storage) and that's why I couldn't make my mind up! I'll give it some more thought but I'll probably go for the bench, I think. The one you have looks nice, Kathryn, I'll look for something similar in the UK.

While I was looking I came across a childrens' bench and barbell setup! I'm not sure it's something I'd encourage my kids to do while they're so young (3 girls under 5) but it was SOOOOO cute!!! I'm not sure if I can post a link but I'll try...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kid-E-Fit-Weight-Bench-Fillable-Weights/dp/B001934DJ6

Thanks very much again, you've been really helpful.
 
First time doing STS

To be honest I will be starting my first round of STS in a few weeks. I am working on my 1 Rep Max now. So I may have a different opinion once I go through the series. For now I am going to try it with my step bench and I have the slanted risers along with the new Tower so I am hoping it all works good together.
 
I agree on getting the bench - I got a pretty good one at WalMart for about $60, which isn't too bad. I like having both options though, the bench, and the step (though my step is a bit too short, it's not the "classic" step but a Reebok step). Or, I bet you could find a pretty cheap one on craigslist too!
 
kathryn said:
IMO, if you can afford a bench, get one.

They are so much nicer, and allow for more variety in angles (flat, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees--for support doing shoulder presses). The height is just perfect for putting a hand on for support doing lat rows. They are also narrower than a step, and more comfortable (IMO) for certain moves.

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PFI...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1258045426&sr=8-1 and I really like it!

ETA: by the way: welcome to the forums!
Click to expand...

I agree, get a bench. And if you can get the power tower to support a weighted barbell, much easier on the neck when you are already lying down and take the weight up w/ your arms. i haven't had neck soreness since I got both:)
 
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