Step ups

Hi, I have a question for the step ups : I'm in stage 1, I have 6 workout left, and fot the step ups, I use 30 pounds dumbells. I want to use more weight, except when I use more heavy weights, I feel like I'm going to drop them after 5 step ups and I feel like my arms are going to rip out! lol! Is there something I can do for this to be able to use more weight. I already use gloves... Thanks!

Hi Claudiek, some folks load up an olympic bar and use that instead of dumbbells - I'm not sure if you have access to that, but it will certainly take the strain off of your hands and wrists.

Yes, a barbell is an option (and I myself used it for a while). But if the step you're currently using is lower than, say, knee high, I strongly recommend just stepping on a much higher bench. It's going to really engage the glutes, and better than if you just load your back with more weight (which also doesn't improve your grip)

Thanks both of you! I will try both...

WOW 30 lbs and in stage 1!!  I am done with NROL4W and doing the NROL and still can't do step ups with more than 10 lbs if doing over 5 reps!!!!  I do use the weight bench though for my step.  

 

when I first started NROL4W I used the aerobic step w/ 2 risers on each side then upped that to 3 risers and then went to the bench.  Like Maha said - increase the "up" not the lbs and you'll really feel the burn.

I also concentrate on using the leg going onto the bench as the one to lift me up and not helping the upward movement with the straight leg if that makes sense.  

Step ups are my least favorite workout lately - only cause the last few programs I've done have had some new form of torture doing them puppies.  

Wanted to pass on a tip I just re read yesterday while reviewing the Female Body Breakthrough again.  She says to increase the step height before increasing the weight to get the better "butt" workout.  

You can start with a low weight on a low bench or step master the form, keeping the foot on the ground and not using it to help boost you up then increase the height keeping form in mind then increase the weights.

Hope this helps.

I am happy to read this again, because I was having grip strength issues on the smaller steps but using a high step I can't do high weights just yet so hopefully as grip strength improves I'll be able to use the higher weight and step too

Does anyone have an opinion on weighted vests?

I'm an at home exerciser, so I got a weighted vest to help increase the weight load on leg exercises, etc.  Haven't used it yet, but it would seem that it would be good for things like step ups.

As long as you are able to hold yourself up and not have to lean forward with the vest then it would probably be good.  

I am thinking of changing to using barbells instead of dumbbells cause I have these bruises all over my thighs where the DB's  hit against them when doing these kind of exercises.  A vest would be a good alternative as well I would think

 

Thanks for the tip.  I didn't think of that.  I'm still struggling with light DB's, so I don't think I'll be ready for the vest too soon.