Step-ups

[David1991]

These are done with dumbells not a barbell on your shoulder right?


since i'm supersetting with Lunges should i use the same weight as lunges and go straight into step-ups? that was my original plan but thinking about that now that would probably make me go too light on lunges

[ToniL]

Depends on how many reps you are doing. For the heavier/lower reps I used the oly bar for both steps and lunges. For the higher reps, I use dumbells and sometimes only body weight. Best to focus on form.

hth -- Toni

[Superset]

Yep, what Toni said. For Hypertrophy II workouts, I loaded up a bar for the stepups and lunges. Actually I sometimes loaded two bars, since I can lunge a little more than I can step up. I would just caution you to be very careful and go slow if you use a bar - a loaded bar on your shoulders really raises your center of gravity. It's nice and smooth if you go slow, but if you ever lose your balance - you'll see what I mean!

[David1991]

Originally Posted by Superset

Yep, what Toni said. For Hypertrophy II workouts, I loaded up a bar for the stepups and lunges. Actually I sometimes loaded two bars, since I can lunge a little more than I can step up. I would just caution you to be very careful and go slow if you use a bar - a loaded bar on your shoulders really raises your center of gravity. It's nice and smooth if you go slow, but if you ever lose your balance - you'll see what I mean!

so what do u suggest, maybe using a barbell for lunges and then getting a pair of DB's and doing step ups?
that seems pretty good to me

[Superset]

Originally Posted by David1991

so what do u suggest, maybe using a barbell for lunges and then getting a pair of DB's and doing step ups?
that seems pretty good to me

Sounds like a good plan

[msmogreen]

I almost always use a barbell for step-ups. If I'm doing a lot of reps I use a smaller, preloaded bar of 60 to 70 lbs. And I would use the same weight for the lunges. For lower reps, I set up a step in the squat rack and work there. My grip can't handle more than a 25 lb. db for a lot of reps...I find the bar more comfortable.

[Cynic]

You can use a BB or DBs. It's a matter of preference, but Lou does say that using a BB takes it to a whole new level.

[JTM]

I used dumbbells for step-ups on all rep ranges and found on the lower rep days it also gave me a fantstic grip workout. My forearms were burning by the end of it!

[samoore]

Don't underestimate the effect on your grip of using dumbbells. This has been my biggest hurdle to improving my deadlifts. Any time that I can use dumbbells instead of carrying stuff on my shoulders, I do it. Of course, YMMV.

But barbells for lunges and dumbbells for step-ups --- or the other way around --- they would both work. You'll have plenty of time as you work your way through the book to try them both ways.