Resistance bands are inexpensive exercise tools that are lightweight, versatile and can be transported anywhere. They add variety and value to your workout, are resilient and safe to use.
Resistance bands are suitable for any age group or fitness level. The simplicity of these bands make them appear less than useful, but nothing could be further than the truth, for they offer a host of benefits in terms of effectiveness and convenience
The more you get to know about these bands, the more motivated you’ll be to add them to your own home gym.
Inexpensive Tools With Great Value
Resistance bands are sold individually or in sets of varying resistance. They are quite affordable for most budgets and can be purchased online or at any sports stores. Some even come with their own DVD, providing guidance on how to use them and showing the kinds of workouts that can be done with them.
Add interesting modifications to exercises
Resistance band exercises are often based on familiar strength-training moves. For example, if you stand on one end of the cord and curl your arm up while holding the other end, you’ve replaced your standard bicep curl using your usual dumbbells. As you familiarise with your resistance bands, you’ll probably also come up with your own modifications for other exercise moves.
Easily adapts to different levels of resistance
Resistance bands come in multiple resistance levels, and they are generally color-coded to indicate light, medium or heavy. The levels of resistance during exercise can be adjusted just by changing bands, or by giving more or less slack on the band. The bands can also be combined for a more challenging workout.
For a total body workout
It may seem impossible to believe, but through proper usage of resistance bands, it is possible to achieve a total body workout. Many resistance band kits come with suggested exercises for nearly every major muscle group in your body. Stepping on one end of a resistance band or looping it around a stationary object, for example, opens up many exercise possibilities.
Store it anywhere
Unlike all other exercise equipment that take up a lot of space, resistance bands can be stored practically anywhere out in the open or hidden away in a box or drawer. You can store them in the boot of your car, or carry them in your sports bag. It’s practically weightless too, so you won’t have a problem bringing them to work with you (in case you’re in the mood for a simple workout before lunch)
Lets you workout anywhere
Resistance bands weigh very little. You can easily pack them in your suitcase for travel and do your exercises anywhere you may be at, even in your hotel room. They are great to use when you are pressed for time and/or don’t have access to your usual equipment.
Add variety and interest to your routines
Resistance bands allow you to change your positioning in multiple ways and create resistance from all directions—the side, overhead, behind, below, etc. This changes how your body works and how an exercise feels. Over time, your muscles adapt to any new exercise routine. It’s a good idea to mix it up by cross-training with free weights, machines and resistance band exercises. Each will work your muscles in a slightly different way.
Can be used with other exercise equipment
While resistance bands work great on their own, they can also be combined with other exercise equipment. Performing bicep curls with both a resistance band and a dumbbell will give you the combined benefits of both types of equipment, and hence, reap better results!
Choose bands that are comfortable for you
Some bands you find in stores offer interchangeable handles, which means you have to take them off and on to use different bands. Some have handles that are larger than normal or made of hard plastic. These are minor issues, but they can make using your bands more difficult than it needs to be. Try to buy bands with padded handles and make sure you don’t have to change them out. Keep it simple. There are a wide variety of bands available—figure 8’s, double bands, circular bands, etc. If you’re just getting started, stick with your basic long tube with handles. Once you figure out how to use it, you may want to buy other types later for variety.
The safer way to perform strength training exercises
Resistance bands offer strength-training without the risk of dropping a heavy weight on your foot or crushing your fingers between weight plates. That makes them ideal for working out when you don’t have a personal trainer or exercise partner to support you.
