Resistance bands are affordable, easy-to-use pieces of exercise equipment that provide a versatile workout option for people of any fitness level. They come in varying shapes, sizes, and levels of resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of exercises. Resistance bands allow users the opportunity to move freely while maintaining a focused position, helping to quickly build strength, tone muscles and burn calories.
What are Resistance Bands?
Resistance bands are elasticated tubes that can be used throughout a workout to add tension to your muscles. Unlike weights, bands require more stabilization for many exercises, which helps to activate more muscles. This makes them a great tool for both beginners and athletes. Resistance bands come in a variety of sizes and levels of resistance, so there’s something for everyone.
Benefits of Resistance Bands
Using resistance bands in your workout routine offers a number of advantages:
• Flexibility – Resistance bands are very flexible and can be used for an array of exercises. You can use them in the comfort of your own home, at the gym, or while traveling.
• Cost-Effective – Resistance bands are a much cheaper alternative to weights and other exercise equipment.
• Safety – Using free weights can be dangerous if you don’t use proper form. With resistance bands, you are less likely to experience injury as the resistance is always maintained throughout the exercise.
• Muscle Activation – Resistance bands require users to activate more muscles to stabilize the body during a workout, which helps build core strength and tone the body.
• Results – Because resistance bands are so versatile and require users to activate more muscles during a workout, they are a great tool for helping you quickly achieve desired results.
Types of Resistance Bands
Resistance bands come in different levels of resistance, shapes, lengths and colors. Some are single loops of elastic material, while others are two or more bands connected by handles.
• Light Resistance Bands – Light resistance bands are best for those just starting to use resistance bands, as well as those who are recovering from an injury. They are made from thinner material, are less stretchy, and provide minimal resistance.
• Medium Resistance Bands – Medium resistance bands are best for anyone looking to target specific muscle groups in their workouts. These bands are thicker than light resistance bands and provide slightly more resistance.
• Heavy Resistance Bands – Heavy resistance bands are best for those looking for a more intensive workout. The bands are thicker than the light and medium resistance bands and provide a lot of resistance.
Simple and Effective Resistance Band Exercises
Resistance bands are a great tool for adding variety and intensity to your workouts. Here are some simple exercises that are both effective and great for beginners:
• Bicep Curls – Bicep curls are a great way to tone and strengthen your arms. To do this exercise, hold the resistance band with your feet hip-width apart and hands just below your shoulders. Slowly curl the band up until your elbows reach shoulder level, then slowly lower and repeat 10-15 times.
• Chest Press – This exercise is a great way to target your chest and shoulders. To do this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the resistance band with your hands just outside of your chest. Keeping your elbows level with your shoulders, slowly press the band forward, then slowly release and repeat 10-15 times.
• Shoulder Press – To do a shoulder press, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the resistance band with your hands just below your shoulders. Push the bands up towards the ceiling, then slowly lower and repeat 10-15 times.
• Side Bends – This exercise is a great way to strengthen and tone your sides and back. To do this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the resistance band with one arm outstretched and the other arm bent. Slowly bend at the waist to one side and hold for 3 seconds, then slowly return to starting position and repeat 10-15 times on each side.
• Glute Bridge – This exercise is a great way to target your glutes and hamstrings. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your feet hip-width apart and the resistance band looped around the arches of your feet. Slowly lift your hips off the ground until your shoulders, hips and knees form a straight line, then slowly lower and repeat 10-15 times.
Resistance bands are an easy and effective way to incorporate strength training into any fitness regimen. They are cost-effective and offer a great alternative to free weights, allowing users to work a variety of muscle groups with one simple piece of equipment. By incorporating the simple exercises outlined above into your workout routine, you are sure to see results in no time.
