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Started by Dan Jeong, February 9, 2014 · 5 Replies · 202 Views
Is it okay to do the iM with a PVC pipe?
The lightest weighted bar in my gym is 12lbs (other than PVC pipe) and it is a tad too heavy for me to do the certain iMs.
And is it okay to move on to the next iM if I can complete them with PVC pipe or is it crucial to use an weighted bar? My shoulder mobility sucks so PVC pipe is difficult enough for me already.
And what are some good alternatives if I can't find a weighted bar under 12lbs?
A lot of folks here use a broom handle with small weights attached. Either small plates slide right over, or tape/lash/etc. anything of appropriate weight on it.
PVC Should work fine as long as it's not bending too much, just make sure you add a weight, whether it be 2lbs, .5lbs, or 10lbs. Coach has stated previously that you need a weight to recruit the proper muscles.
Weight (even if low) is essential for many of those iMs. Stick some weight into the pipe, hang ankle weights, etc. Make it i.e. 2lbs to start with and work on improving your shoulders.
Chances are that 12lbs is way too heavy for you and training with that weight atm is simply not productive as you can't even properly engage into right position.
Of course it is not ok to move on to next iM if as you say just PVC pipe is difficult for those iMs (if these are supposed to be done with weight). Reason to do those iMs is to improve shoulder mobility and gradually prepare them for following training, skipping them because they are to difficult at this moment is quite opposite.
Weight is crucial. A simple solution would be to measure out ~5lbs/2.4kg of sand, put it in the pipe, and then seal the ends.
PVC pipe with small handweights attached via pilates stretch bands.
The stretch bands are long enough and stretchy enough to wrap around and hold a kettlebell to the pipe as well.
Where there's a will there's a weight...