Spring Break
Viva la resistance! How to best use the bands
Issue date: 4/10/08
I'm sure you've seen resistance bands at the gym - you know, those colorful bands of rubber tubing with handles at the end - but have you ever used them? Resistance bands can be a great alternative form of strength training.
Many physical therapists recommend resistance bands as a way for patients to increase strengthening and stretching. But there are benefits for more than just those individuals who are recovering from an injury. Everyone can benefit from strength training.
Using resistance bands is a great way to strengthen every muscle in the body while adding variety to your routine.
Unlike some machines, resistance bands force you to stabilize your body while performing the exercise. This increases coordination and balance.
The band also provides tension through the entire repetition, which, if done properly, can stimulate the development of more muscle fibers. More tension allows you to achieve more strength.
The best thing about resistance bands is that they are small, light and portable. They are a great piece of equipment to have in your dorm room or house because you can get a full-body workout without having to go to the gym.
A resistance band makes the perfect addition to your vacation suitcase - all you need is a stable device (like a stairwell spindle or sturdy bedpost) to wrap the band around for some of the exercises.
Resistance bands generally cost anywhere from $6 to $20.
The main downside to bands is you can't easily measure how much strength you are gaining, unlike weight lifting where you can monitor your progress as you increase weights. However, the thicker the band, the more tension it will provide.
I recommend getting a set of bands that vary in thickness in order to perform different exercises. Another way to adjust the amount of tension is to grip the band so it is shorter and provides more intensity.
Many physical therapists recommend resistance bands as a way for patients to increase strengthening and stretching. But there are benefits for more than just those individuals who are recovering from an injury. Everyone can benefit from strength training.
Using resistance bands is a great way to strengthen every muscle in the body while adding variety to your routine.
Unlike some machines, resistance bands force you to stabilize your body while performing the exercise. This increases coordination and balance.
The band also provides tension through the entire repetition, which, if done properly, can stimulate the development of more muscle fibers. More tension allows you to achieve more strength.
The best thing about resistance bands is that they are small, light and portable. They are a great piece of equipment to have in your dorm room or house because you can get a full-body workout without having to go to the gym.
A resistance band makes the perfect addition to your vacation suitcase - all you need is a stable device (like a stairwell spindle or sturdy bedpost) to wrap the band around for some of the exercises.
Resistance bands generally cost anywhere from $6 to $20.
The main downside to bands is you can't easily measure how much strength you are gaining, unlike weight lifting where you can monitor your progress as you increase weights. However, the thicker the band, the more tension it will provide.
I recommend getting a set of bands that vary in thickness in order to perform different exercises. Another way to adjust the amount of tension is to grip the band so it is shorter and provides more intensity.
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