Step up boxes - JP Fitness Forums

beospenser · 03-29-2008, 04:57 PM

Where do you buy a gym quality (metal?) step up box?

I can't seem to find them anywhere.

I've been using something at home that I just noticed exceeds the weight limit when I use heavy dumbbells.

Thanks,
Debbie

missjane · 03-29-2008, 04:58 PM

I just use a weight bench.

beospenser · 03-29-2008, 05:09 PM

I tried that before, but the padding makes me feel wobbly.

My gym has these great really heavy and sturdy metal boxes of varying heights that are perfect and seem meant for exactly this. I just can't find the things anywhere!

rixatrix · 03-29-2008, 05:25 PM

Here's one:

Amazon.com: Step-Up Box: Sports & Outdoors

Damn! I'd be taking a trip to Lowe's if I were you.

beospenser · 03-29-2008, 05:40 PM

Thank you! That's exactly what I'm looking for, but wow! I wasn't expecting that price tag!

Anyone know of a less expensive version??

What is everyone here using--their bench as well?

feralBoy · 03-29-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rixatrix

Here's one:

Amazon.com: Step-Up Box: Sports & Outdoors

Damn! I'd be taking a trip to Lowe's if I were you.

My gym uses something like this.

Amazon.com: The Step F1011W Original Health Club Step: Sports & Outdoors

I can't believe how much these things are. I concur about lowes. I would honestly turn over a sheetrock bucket, and use that before I paid $230 for a step.

Cynthia · 03-29-2008, 07:34 PM

I use the flat weight bench at the gym. It doesn't seem to have as much padding as the adjustable bench, and I don't feel wobbly on it.

My husband doesn't like to step up as high as the weight bench; he uses the aerobic step posted above

MuscleMom23 · 03-29-2008, 08:20 PM

I too am looking for a step. If I put weight on my shoulders, none of these "step" aerobics steps are rated for me. I was going to go to Lowes to check out step stools or some kind of metal thing. But WOW that one from Amazon,

ohhhh DH welder man!!!

Emoore · 03-29-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beospenser

Thank you! That's exactly what I'm looking for, but wow! I wasn't expecting that price tag!

Anyone know of a less expensive version??

Do you know anyone with a welder? Those would be so not hard to make.

Phaedrus49er · 03-30-2008, 05:42 AM

PerformBetter has some good stuff. I've bought several items from them, and everything is top-quality.

No spam. Just meat

LT Hebert · 03-30-2008, 07:40 AM

I've actually been using a small wooden step stool (borrowed from the kitchen). It's about 1 ft. x 1 ft. When that is too easy, I will go back down in weight and move to my bench.

Lisa~ · 03-30-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus49er

PerformBetter has some good stuff. I've bought several items from them, and everything is top-quality.

No spam. Just meat

I was going to link you to Perform Better also, and suggest that if you search for plyo box or plyometric box you'll have more success in finding what you're looking for. They make them with adjustable heights, which is a great feature.

DDRdiva · 03-30-2008, 09:03 AM

Perform Better is top-notch, but you'll have to resist the temptations of the big, fat catalog they will send you.

Maybe you could also get a standard weight bench for $50-60 and slice off the padding? Or one from craigslist where the padding is already shot.

Somehow I don't think the Firm Fanny Lifter is adequate for these workouts.

Phaedrus49er · 03-30-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDRdiva

you'll have to resist the temptations of the big, fat catalog they will send you.

Excellent point.

foodfromafar · 03-30-2008, 09:25 PM

Hi, everyone! I'm short. I can't imagine trying to step up onto a weight bench with dumbbells!! Is there any way to figure out the right height by using knee height or something?

beach_plums · 03-31-2008, 10:05 AM

I have short legs too. I was using a mid-shin height step with weights because the bench and taller box were both too high for me to use without cheating. Each time I went into the gym, I tried to do bodyweight stepups on the taller step. When I was able to do that, I switched from weights on the lower step to bodyweight on the above-the-knee step. And, again, I'm gradually adding weights. I don't know if there is a step that's the "right height"; just do what's challenging for you.

Lisa~ · 03-31-2008, 10:27 AM

We discussed box heights for step-ups in this thread: Step-up Set Questions
There are links within that thread back to other discussions of step-up technique that are really good too.

This is another good thread about step-ups: Step-ups.... how not to cheat

Tia · 03-31-2008, 11:09 AM

I'm using my high step (like the regular step only box shaped) with 3 risers (10 ")...very sturdy and if you get extra risers you can go up to 16" safely.

I can't get past 10" myself without losing form.

Bytsi · 03-31-2008, 01:36 PM

I am only 5'2", but I didn't feel as challenged on a regular shin-height step, so I use a weight-bench. There is one bench at our gym that is slightly lower than most, so my knee and hip are both at right angles on it. When I have to use a different bench (only about 2" taller) I REALLY feel it!!! I do have to focus, no matter what, on form - keeping my back straight, not pushing off with the back leg... and still being able to see through the sweat running into my eyes!