Gone are the days when resistance bands were the realm of middle-aged women. These versatile bands offer a complete workout in a tiny package. If you are ready to stop making excuses and are serious about getting in shape, resistance bands are the solution.
What Are Resistance Bands And How Can They Revolutionize Your Workout Routine
Resistance bands are used by professional athletes, serious gym buffs, and individuals looking for a home workout routine. These bands come in a range of resistance levels from easy to downright hard. This allows users to build up their strength slowly over time.
There are several different [easyazon_link keywords=”flex active sports” locale=”US” tag=”revie022-20″]styles of resistance bands[/easyazon_link]. Each come in different colors coded to let users know the resistance level of the band. Basic resistance bands are essentially wide rubber strips. These bands come in different lengths and resistance levels and do not have handles. Tube resistance bands are made of either rubber or cord. Unlike basic bands, they do have handles. The handles come in foam or plastic depending on user preference. Some bands come with ankle clips while others look like giant rubber bands.
Resistance bands provide users with a portable, affordable workout tool that helps strengthen every major muscle, group. With the right know-how, resistance bands are an easy solution for working a workout into a busy routine. Many gyms also provide resistance bands for members, as they are such an efficient strengthening tool.
Resistance Bands VS Weights: Which Is More Effective?
There is some debate about resistance bands vs. weights in the fitness community. Common questions asked by potential band users are “do resistance bands build muscle as well as weights?” “Are resistance bands good enough to replace weights in my routine?”
Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Resistance Bands: Pros And Cons
Resistance bands are light, portable, and affordable. They give a better range of motion strength than free weights by providing muscle stimulation with every part of the motion. There is a wide range of resistance bands exercises that work nearly every part of the body, building muscle and strength. Weights are less versatile.
The downside of resistance bands is their limit. There is only so much resistance even the strongest band can supply. Users looking to build mass eventually must switch to weights for part of their workout.
Weights: Pros And Cons
Weights allow users to build mass and intensify their workouts beyond the scope of resistance bands. The only limit to the routine is the amount of weight the user can lift.
Weights are expensive and heavy. A sixteen-pound resistance band weighs next to nothing. A sixteen-pound weight weighs sixteen pounds. This makes weights much less portable than resistance bands.
The Verdict
Both resistance bands and weights have a place in your workout routine. Combined, they provide a well-rounded routine that allows you to build mass and work every muscle group without over exerting yourself.
Workouts For Every Muscle Group
Die hard resistance bands users claim there are exercises for nearly every muscle group. It turns out this is true.
Workouts For Your Chest
Working your chest with resistance bands is easy. These two exercises are similar to chest exercises performed with free weights, only without the need for a spotter.
Use your resistance bands to work your chest by performing a simple bench press. Loop the band beneath the bench and simply press up like you would a bar.
Perform a crossover by securing the band around a post or stationary object. Take a step away to increase resistance. With your back to the post, keep your arms straight and bring them across your chest.
Workouts For Your Arms
There are many resistance bands exercises for arms. These five exercises are a great way to tone and build arm and shoulder muscles.
- Biceps: Bicep curls are easy with resistance bands. Stand on the band with both legs to achieve maximum tension. Curl your arms as if the band were a dumbbell.
- Triceps: Perform a simple triceps extension by standing on the band with your arms behind your back and over your head. Extend your arms in a traditional triceps extension.
- Shoulders: It is easy to perform a shoulder press, lateral raise, and upright row with your band. Stand on the band in the appropriate position for each exercise.
Workouts For Your Legs
There are resistance bands for legs. These bands come with ankle clips. It is also possible to use a traditional resistance band for these two exercises:
- Calves: Stand upright on the band with your toes. As with the squat, keep your hands by your shoulders as you perform a simple calf raise.
- Quads: Assume the squat position. Stand on the band to achieve tension with your arms flexed and hands by your shoulders. Stand, keeping arms the same position. Repeat.
Workouts For Your Upper And Lower Back
Keeping your back strong and your core tight is essential for a good fitness routine. These exercises work your upper and lower back.
- Upper Back: Rowing is great for your upper back. Simulate a rowing machine by securing your band around your feet or a post. Stand or sit and perform a cable row.
- Upper Back: Back flies work your upper back and your triceps. Secure the band around a stationary object. Begin with arms raised in front of you and move your arms back without moving your feet or bending your arms.
- Lower Back: Good mornings are easy to perform with a resistance band. Position the band so that when you stand on it the tension starts with your hands behind your neck. Stand up straight while keeping legs slightly bent or straight while raising your back in a traditional good-morning.
Workouts For Your Abs
No workout is complete without an abdominal workout. This easy exercise adds resistance to your ab routine.
- Weighted Sit-ups: Add resistance to your sit-ups by looping the band around the base of a decline bench or a stationary post. Hold your hands by your head and perform your crunches or sit-ups.
Talk to your personal trainer or read resistance band reviews to find the band best suited for your routine. See for yourself why more and more fitness enthusiasts incorporate resistance bands into their regular routine.
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