Body Beast is still the go-to program for muscle. That is what it was designed for and what it delivers. You can do a lot with it too, as long as you still control your nutrition precisely. You can get a really lean bulk, go all out bulking, and even cut. All with lifting heavy weights. That’s why so many people like it. It’s classic weight lifting exercises with dumbbells and an EZ bar. But what if you max out your dumbbell selection? What if you really want to move some heavy weight? It might be time to look at a barbell.

Complaints, Worries, Etc.

The great thing about all Beachbody programs is that they really use a minimal amount of equipment (well maybe outside of X2 LOL). Body Beast got some initial grief from people about using a bench and EZ bar even. Do you need those, no. Do they help and allow you to get more out of the program, YES! So it’s all up to you, and that is what this article will be about. Extra gear you can choose to get to push even further. Do you HAVE to do any of this, no at all. So don’t worry or get upset if your current set-up  doesn’t allow you to use these recommendations. 

Maxing OUT Body Beast

At the very heart of building muscle is progressive overload. And it makes perfect sense. You know that if you can continually add to the weight you are lifting (workout after workout, week after week, etc), you will improve and you will add muscle mass. You can’t expect to curl 10 lbs each week and have gains in strength and muscle. You throw into that overload the proper rep schemes for hypertrophy (like Body Beast does) and you can really add some mass.

As you work on added weights and reps each week, you can come to a point where your equipment limits you. If you don’t want to (or can’t) get more weight, you can do things like tempo reps to make light weights feel heavy, simply do more reps, or do more sets. But if you can afford, and have space for more weight, you can really keep pushing. Let’s look at some serious equipment.

Dumbbells

You can get some really heavy dumbbells. If you get traditional dumbbells, they can get really expensive. SelectTech and Powerblock both make sets that go to 90# and Powerblock makes even larger sets (some that will go to 175# a dumbbell). Any of those dumbbells will be a great tool to keep overloading your reps and sets. The issue with dumbbells, as they get really heavy, is that they also get really bulky. That can be an even bigger concern with adjustable sets. Just be aware of it and make sure you know what you are getting into.

With heavier dumbbells, you will need to think about how you are going to set them down or drop them. I have loved my horse stall mats. Super heavy-duty. You may be able to press 100# lbs but you aren’t going to be curling them into position or setting them down nicely. SO practice and be careful! We are almost all working out alone, so you want to stay safe. Work up slowly and make sure you can handle the weight with good form.

Also, as we talk about getting more and more weight to push and pull, you really should ONLY be using a sturdy bench (like the Powerblock bench from BB, a Selecttech adjustable bench, etc). Don’t use stability ball. Your focus needs to be on the weights, not balancing on a ball.

***The best set if you are planning to grow with your dumbbells would be Powerblocks. You can upgrade in stages and don’t have to buy a whole new set like going from Selecttech 552s to 1090s.

EZ Bar

Just like with dumbbells, you can just get more weight. That is a little more cost effective with an EZ bar. With an 2″ olympic bar and plates, you can load up a lot of weight. Craigslist is a great place to find deals on plates.

Barbells

An olympic barbell (standard is 45# and 7′) is an awesome way to keep pushing for progressive overload and progress. If you have an olympic EZ bar, your plates will work for both your EZ bar and the straight bar.

“But Coach Wayne, don’t I need a benchpress or a squat rack to use a big olympic barbell?” No, you really don’t. Well not for all the exercises. I use a full olympic bar for Body Beast workouts in some specific spots. I don’t have a squat rack or bench press either. I have used mine for deadlifts, bent over rows, and even some curls (it will smoke your forearms even more!).

Squat Rack or Stand

If you really want to move onto some serious gear for legs, not much can beat a squat rack. When equipped with safeties, you have a perfect safe way to squat by yourself. Some squat stand will come without safeties. I would recommend against those. You need a way to safely, and with control, dump your weight at the bottom of a squat. If you have no safety bars or arms, dumping a failed squat takes a lot of practice/skill and is still dangerous.

I have decided against a squat rack for a few reasons. One, they take up a lot of space and once they are set, you really won’t move them. Beyond that, I feel I can really effectively hit my legs with all the single leg movements Beast has to offer. I don’t need a rack, so I push on without it. Now there are other teamRIPPED members and coaches that have racks. That is great and I know they have the space and love to squat. Just make sure you get a rack or stand with SAFETIES or SPOTTER ARMS!

The other benefit to a squat rack or stand is using it with your adjustable bench. That gives you the ability to bench press with your barbell. Slide your bench in the rack, set your safeties, and load your barbell. Test out your spotter arms with an empty bar to make sure they are in the right spot in case you can’t get that last rep.

The really safe thing about dumbbell moves, especially with squats for example, is that you can drop the weight easily (or just set it down). It takes more practice to safely lift alone with heavy weights. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Work up and lift safe.

Keep Pushing for More Overload

This really boils down to continually pushing. In any program, keep pushing. Look at your reps/weights from last time and try to get more. One more rep here, 5 more pounds there. Just keep pushing to beat yourself, while being safe. That type of focus and goal setting will lead to progressive overload and better results!

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