That makes sense. I used to play on the exact same pad and had issues breaking the 15-16 barrier with no-bar. My knees just couldnt handle playing for extended periods of time at that difficulty level. The bar helped with that and just extra stamina from holding some of my weight with my arms. I opted to buy one of these and put it behind my pad / against a wall :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753Q2GCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
it wasn't perfect but it allowed me to at least start breaking in to the 17s with practice. Definitely not a requirement though, you seem to be doing just fine without one!
Definitely recommend it if you get a chance. My knees cant handle the impact of DDR on those longer sessions without it and it definitely helps me push my limits on harder songs or stepcharts that have unexpected twists on them. I have a pad with a built in bar now, but I used to just put a dip bar behind my old pad and that seemed to work pretty well. I used this one from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753Q2GCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the closest thing I could find. Sorry of the format of this sucks. On mobile and amazon was fighting me copying this link. AmazonBasics Dip Fitness Bar - 34 x 32 x 38 Inches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753Q2GCX/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_9-TYDb00TP4NG
($54) Dip bar: AmazonBasics Dip Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753Q2GCX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ogckCbTCVFY4E
($35) pullup bar: Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar and Portable Gym System, Pro https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KN17NTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1hckCbDKGJZS8
($23) bands: UPOWEX Resistance Bands Set – Include 5 Stackable Exercise Bands with Carry Bag, Door Anchor Attachment, Legs Ankle Straps & Bonus eBook – 100% Life Time Guarantee (Resistance Band) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JFSN9Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BjckCb3QNJ42B
($99) Jaybird X4 earbuds: Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Sport, Fitness and Running, Compatible with iOS and Android Smartphones: Sweatproof and Waterproof - Black Metallic/Flash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVCZPSJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GkckCbH5SRY7K
($38) Resistance spring: Core Prodigy Python Power Twister - Chest and Arm Builder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1B5QGD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UlckCbWCSY1XQ
($99) Adjustable dumbbells: Yes4All 105 lbs Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbells - ²DWP2Z https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GC76NW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ynckCbMKNSP63
($25) perfect pushup: Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DNAJ5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ysekCbTGNJVEF
($21) gym rings: REEHUT Gymnastic Rings W/Adjustable Straps, Metal Buckles & Manual - Home Gym (Set of 2) - Non-Slip - Great for Workout, Strength Training, Fitness, Pull Ups and Dips, Ebook Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHPSXJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BvekCb016RPRK
($17) phone arm band: Sports Armband: Cell Phone Holder Case Arm Band Strap Pouch Mobile Exercise Running Workout For Apple iPhone 6 6S 7 8 X Plus Touch Android Samsung Galaxy S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 Note 8 5 Edge Pixel (Rotatable) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWQD2B5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zxekCbT7CARYC
I’ve been using an Amazon Basics Dip bar one for about 7 months and I haven’t had any problems with it whatsoever.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-DIP-BAR-Dip-Bar/dp/B0753Q2GCX
Here you go. Cheap and easy. We're all very impressed with your balance.
Should I unorder it and order this? other d
Go get yourself one of these - https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-DIP-BAR-Dip-Bar/dp/B0753Q2GCX. And you can follow the bodyweight assistance as described in 2nd edition on page 52. You won’t be able to do the GHR movement, but you can put your barbell on your back and do good mornings (EliteFTS just released a pretty good video about them - https://youtu.be/5CsbDyGLABg). Or you can do Straight Leg Dead Lifts instead of GHRs. If you’re handy you can build a simple platform for Nordic curls. IMO these are much harder than GHRs.
If you’re too heavy/weak for chins and dips right now, do inverted rows and more push ups till you lose the weight. Or pick up some assistance bands. YMMV, but I have better luck with bands than negatives. I weigh enough that all my fat puts a lot of strain on my joints when lowering myself slowly. So I do a couple of negatives and fill in volume with bands while I cut some fat.
Once you’re light/strong enough, hold one of those dumbbells between your feet and do weighted. Or go the safe route and pick up a weight belt to attach your plates to.
But that’s how I’d start if I was in your situation - main lifts and body weight assistance. Run this for a few cycles (4 to 5) to get used to 531. If you’re still making gains, stick with it. Otherwise move onto BBB. By this point you’ve got a good base of work capacity from all the body weight volume.
Sure, I got these dip bars. They're great. You can do rows on them too, knee raises, L sits, etc. Super sturdy, and they can be disassembled pretty easily. I went all out and got this power rack so I could use it for barbell squats and bench as well as for pullups and ring stuff, but something like this would be a cheaper option.
This looks pretty sturdy
ProGear 1600 Power Rack w/ Bench
Fitness Gear 300 lb Olympic Weightlifting set
AmazonBasics Dip Bar
Valeo Ab Wheel
TSC Horse stall mat
Various bands
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
When it comes to working out, I'm a huge introvert. Being able to stay in my own house and workout is probably the only reason I've been so committed thus far.
Plus, I can get a pump whenever I have an extra minute. It's the best investment I've ever made, bar none.
I bought this dip bar from amazon for $50, seemed worth it to not have to buy a monthly membership
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753Q2GCX/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_.GV8BbV8G5FST