Can a tall Step substitute for the Firm Tall Box/Fanny Lifter?

Diane Rogers · 09-13-02, 10:05 AM

I have been acquiring some Firms and am wondering how necessary a tall box or Fanny Lifter (ugh--hate that name) is. I don't want to buy one. I know about the Rubbermaid tool box/stool? making a good one, but I don't even want to buy that if I don't have to...

I am hoping that my original step can substitute for the Firm's tall box-- or is there some reason why you need the shorter dimensions (stool vs. bench proportions)? I have only two risers on each side of my step right now but I am planning on buying extra risers so that my step can double as a nice weight bench (a la Cathe). If I used it as a step but added a 3rd riser to each side, would that be useful for the Firm videos? Or just dangerous?

I actually have an old genuine-Firm tall box that I bought like 15 years ago, that was converted to a kids' side table in our screened porch years ago... I don't know if it's still sturdy enough to hold me, but I guess I should try! I also can't remember what height I got.

Appreciate your feedback...

amyzan · 09-13-02, 11:35 AM

It's a Step Co. step, with extra risers, to make it 14 inches high. I only have a couple Firm tapes, Tough Tape and one from the beginners series, the Fat Burning one. So, the tall box is only used for step ups, hover squats, and as a bench for upper body weights, not for aerobics or combination exercises. I'm careful about my foot placement and body alignment, and both of these tapes are slow paced enough that it's easy to be conscious of this while performing the routines.

I think it might be dangerous on some of the other tapes' routines I've previewed at Collage. Experienced Firmies could give you better information than me, though. Anyone?

Joni O · 09-13-02, 05:12 PM

Diane, I don't see why you couldn't use your regular step (with an extra riser) for Firm tall box work, and even for other Firm stuff. You can place the step vertically and use it from the back and both sides. You never use the front (by that I mean the side away from you) in a Firm video anyway.

Leela · 09-13-02, 05:57 PM

I think it is very stable.

pridd16 · 09-13-02, 06:48 PM

I haven't bought a new step (even though I'm to the point where I need a slightly taller step because I'm not getting as much from the leg presses). However, there are certain motions, especially with the new tapes, where you're going to need to make some quick modifications because some of the cardio just doesn't work as well with the length of a regular step. It's doable, just be prepared.

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09-13-02, 10:05 AM
Diane Rogers VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vienna, VA (DC area)	Can a tall Step substitute for the Firm Tall Box/Fanny Lifter? I have been acquiring some Firms and am wondering how necessary a tall box or Fanny Lifter (ugh--hate that name) is. I don't want to buy one. I know about the Rubbermaid tool box/stool? making a good one, but I don't even want to buy that if I don't have to... I am hoping that my original step can substitute for the Firm's tall box-- or is there some reason why you need the shorter dimensions (stool vs. bench proportions)? I have only two risers on each side of my step right now but I am planning on buying extra risers so that my step can double as a nice weight bench (a la Cathe). If I used it as a step but added a 3rd riser to each side, would that be useful for the Firm videos? Or just dangerous? I actually have an old genuine-Firm tall box that I bought like 15 years ago, that was converted to a kids' side table in our screened porch years ago... I don't know if it's still sturdy enough to hold me, but I guess I should try! I also can't remember what height I got. Appreciate your feedback... __________________ Diane

09-13-02, 11:35 AM
amyzan VF Supporter Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kansas City area	I use my Step It's a Step Co. step, with extra risers, to make it 14 inches high. I only have a couple Firm tapes, Tough Tape and one from the beginners series, the Fat Burning one. So, the tall box is only used for step ups, hover squats, and as a bench for upper body weights, not for aerobics or combination exercises. I'm careful about my foot placement and body alignment, and both of these tapes are slow paced enough that it's easy to be conscious of this while performing the routines. I think it might be dangerous on some of the other tapes' routines I've previewed at Collage. Experienced Firmies could give you better information than me, though. Anyone?

09-13-02, 05:12 PM
Joni O VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities, MN	Diane, I don't see why you couldn't use your regular step (with an extra riser) for Firm tall box work, and even for other Firm stuff. You can place the step vertically and use it from the back and both sides. You never use the front (by that I mean the side away from you) in a Firm video anyway.

09-13-02, 05:57 PM
Leela VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001	I use my step with 5 risers on each side I think it is very stable.

09-13-02, 06:48 PM
pridd16 VF Supporter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio	I haven't bought a new step (even though I'm to the point where I need a slightly taller step because I'm not getting as much from the leg presses). However, there are certain motions, especially with the new tapes, where you're going to need to make some quick modifications because some of the cardio just doesn't work as well with the length of a regular step. It's doable, just be prepared.