Step-ups in a home gym - JP Fitness Forums

aeb · 01-15-2008, 11:03 PM

What do all you girls use to do your step-ups on?

I had a lovely (at least strong and solid) wooden cube made of 2x4's that I had nabbed from some construction at work, but my husband didn't think it looked like it belonged inside and threw it away. Now I have a rubbermaid step that is maybe 15" and I'm dubbious it will hold more then my weight, a bench that came with my nautilus machine slightly higher then my knee that is padded and feels a little shaky, and I could use the staircase, but then I have to watchout for my dumbells smacking the walls.

Alison

LisaL · 01-16-2008, 01:14 AM

I take the cushion off of my couch and use that (near the edge) as my step!

I put my yoga mat on it to protect it. It's about 12" high which works perfectly for my 5'1" frame.

kfisherx · 01-16-2008, 02:59 AM

I had a stage put in my living room for house concerts and I use that. I t is almost as high as a bench. Yeah, I am crazy but it is totally cool to have house concerts. Right now there are two Oly bars with weights sitting in front of the stage. This house is SUCH a cool place.

If you have a tack store near you, you can purchase these mounting steps (we horse people use them to mount tall horses) and those would also work very well. The are constructed of awesome plastic and should fit okay in the house.

Next time threaten hubby that if he throws away your workout things that you are going to throw out his favorite old pair of jeans.

tbednarick · 01-16-2008, 04:06 AM

I use a Rubbermaid Tool Box step on top of the 4 inch platform of my cardio step. It's about the same height as the benches in my gym. It's very stable.

I've been using the step with exercise videos for years and it's never shown any sign of weakness. I've abandoned the videos in favor of lifting heavier and mostly work out in a gym now, but the step still works when I can't get there.

Cynic · 01-16-2008, 05:04 AM

Perhaps a metal milk crate placed up on 2x4s.

featherz · 01-16-2008, 06:39 AM

I use this:

with all risers it's 15.5 inches high, which is enough for my short legged self at the moment. If I need higher, there's a pulldown 'ladder' in the room I can use.

Jodi · 01-16-2008, 07:03 AM

I don't workout at home anymore, but when I did I have one of these and they work great for step-ups.

High Step

GinnyLou · 01-16-2008, 07:09 AM

Oooh, lots of great ideas! I would like to have one in my room. I am having my Hubby put together a chin up bar for me, so I am planning to head to the hardware store for some things, anyways. I have stairs I could use, but I am a tad clumsy and they make me a little nervous.

prof41 · 01-24-2008, 07:03 PM

Hi Everyone,

Do you think it's OK when doing step up, to bring the d/b's up against the front of my thigh's so when I step up, the one d/b is resting on top of the thigh.

I find this easier for balance purposes. I seem to be able to lift straight up and not wobble as much on my decent. Is this cheating?

Cynic · 01-24-2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prof41

I find this easier for balance purposes. I seem to be able to lift straight up and not wobble as much on my decent. Is this cheating?

Well, you want to develop your balance while you do these exercises, so if you reduce that, your balance will develop slower.

I had a lot of trouble doing bulgarian split squats due to balance issues. However, I never "cheated," and my balance came along pretty quick.

missjane · 01-24-2008, 07:43 PM

I think by resting the DB on the bent thigh, you are using the placing of the DB for extra momentum to get the step up. Why not do your step-ups without weights at first, making sure not to use your resting leg/foot at all to assist. Once you can do that, and are balanced, then add some weight.

mrroach · 01-24-2008, 09:12 PM

If you flip your step over it will probably tell you the max weight. Generally they are around 300#

Dolly Dagger · 01-25-2008, 05:24 AM

My home gym is in the basement so I use the stairs. Two steps seems to do the trick.

mel · 01-25-2008, 06:32 AM

I use the bench. The padding takes a little getting used to but isn't too bad after a while.

mel

stingo · 01-25-2008, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolly Dagger

My home gym is in the basement so I use the stairs. Two steps seems to do the trick.

That's what my trainer has me doing - 5 flights twice (if I'm at the Y) or 3 flights 4 times (if I'm at the corporate gym).

dillytl · 01-25-2008, 09:24 AM

I use this:

with additional risers from this:

Fitwit · 01-25-2008, 01:15 PM

I use the lower step that Tracey put in her log. I found one in a thrift store with all the risers included for $3 years ago. I have used that thing like crazy.

Karla, Karla, Karla, tellus about your house concerts!!