I have discovered resistance bands in my workout. Used to be that I would scoff at using these big rubber bands in my workout. We started using them in fitness class, and let me tell you they are not easy to use. Sure they are great for older citizens or for those rehabilitating an injury, but if used right resistance bands can really give your muscles a workout.
I typically work out with weights. So when I first started exercising with these big rubber bands I thought this will never do anything. I decided to stick with it despite feeling a bit foolish and after a few repetitions of the exercise I noticed I was getting fatigued. We did exercises for the chest, arms, shoulder and legs and it was amazing how exhausting using these resistance bands became.
We looped them around our feet and did curls with them. We did press ups. We put them under our step bench and did leg extension exercises. We grab a partner and loop the bands around each other and do arm and shoulder exercises. There is not much you cannot do with these bands.
I'm a believer in the bands now. If you decide to give them a try you'll find that they come in different thicknesses. First time using them I said give me the thick one. I did about two shoulder presses. I went and got the medium thickness resistance band and got all the workout I could handle. They aren't what they seem by a long shot.
I typically work out with weights. So when I first started exercising with these big rubber bands I thought this will never do anything. I decided to stick with it despite feeling a bit foolish and after a few repetitions of the exercise I noticed I was getting fatigued. We did exercises for the chest, arms, shoulder and legs and it was amazing how exhausting using these resistance bands became.
We looped them around our feet and did curls with them. We did press ups. We put them under our step bench and did leg extension exercises. We grab a partner and loop the bands around each other and do arm and shoulder exercises. There is not much you cannot do with these bands.
I'm a believer in the bands now. If you decide to give them a try you'll find that they come in different thicknesses. First time using them I said give me the thick one. I did about two shoulder presses. I went and got the medium thickness resistance band and got all the workout I could handle. They aren't what they seem by a long shot.
Resistance Bands
Upper Body Workouts
Resistance band exercises for the upper body can feel weird if you are used to using an exercise machine or free weights. The movement feels different which is a result of the constant tension you feel. If you've ever used a machine with a cable then you will know what I mean.
I know it may sound cliche but really working out with the resistance bands is really up to your imagination. There are so many different exercises that you can do. If you want to do chest presses then simply loop the resistance band underneath a bench (like a step bench) and press up. Or you can loop the band around a pole and press out. You shoulders can get a workout by standing on the band and simply pressing up like a standing shoulder press.
Bicep curls can be done by standing on the band and simply doing a simple curl movement. Triceps can be worked out by standing on the band, grabbing it behind your head (along your back) and pressing up and then coming back down until your elbows are at 90 degrees. Press up again. It's just like your typical triceps extension.
Your back can be worked out by doing a seated row. Sit on the floor and loop the band around your feet. Pull the band into your chest.
Be creative. There are all sorts of upper body workouts you can do with the bands.
I know it may sound cliche but really working out with the resistance bands is really up to your imagination. There are so many different exercises that you can do. If you want to do chest presses then simply loop the resistance band underneath a bench (like a step bench) and press up. Or you can loop the band around a pole and press out. You shoulders can get a workout by standing on the band and simply pressing up like a standing shoulder press.
Bicep curls can be done by standing on the band and simply doing a simple curl movement. Triceps can be worked out by standing on the band, grabbing it behind your head (along your back) and pressing up and then coming back down until your elbows are at 90 degrees. Press up again. It's just like your typical triceps extension.
Your back can be worked out by doing a seated row. Sit on the floor and loop the band around your feet. Pull the band into your chest.
Be creative. There are all sorts of upper body workouts you can do with the bands.
Lower Body Workout
You can get a pretty good workout with resistance bands for your legs. There aren't as many options as there are with working out your upper body, but with a little work you can still get a pretty good workout.
The main workout is the squat. As you stand on the band, hold the handles up near your shoulders. Simply squat until your thighs are parallel with the floor then stand back up. The movement is exactly like that which you would do with free weights. You will want to use thicker resistance bands as the leg is a much larger muscle group.
Most resistance band kits have smaller bands that you can use to loop around your ankles. You can do inner thigh workouts and buttocks workouts with these smaller bands. Loop the band around your ankle and stand up straight. Extend one leg to the side and bring it back to the standing position. Do that 12-15 times then change legs. Keep you stomach flat and your butt tight. You can do the same exercise on your side by lifting your top leg up and down.
Leg extensions are possible if you loop the band underneath something like a step bench. Your weight sitting on top of the bench (short end) should keep the band from getting loose. Put your feet in the handles and extend your leg out one at a time.
The main workout is the squat. As you stand on the band, hold the handles up near your shoulders. Simply squat until your thighs are parallel with the floor then stand back up. The movement is exactly like that which you would do with free weights. You will want to use thicker resistance bands as the leg is a much larger muscle group.
Most resistance band kits have smaller bands that you can use to loop around your ankles. You can do inner thigh workouts and buttocks workouts with these smaller bands. Loop the band around your ankle and stand up straight. Extend one leg to the side and bring it back to the standing position. Do that 12-15 times then change legs. Keep you stomach flat and your butt tight. You can do the same exercise on your side by lifting your top leg up and down.
Leg extensions are possible if you loop the band underneath something like a step bench. Your weight sitting on top of the bench (short end) should keep the band from getting loose. Put your feet in the handles and extend your leg out one at a time.
Exercises Using the Resistance Bands
These are some fairly decent videos for using resistance bands.
automatically generated by YouTube"
Fitness News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byby fitsara
Getting in shape and exercising is something that I enjoy. I workout most days of the week to build muscle, firm my body and be healthy. (more)
Explore related pages
The Truth About Exercise Resistance Bands- One great type of fitness equipment are the exercise resistance bands. These ban...
The Home Exercise Equipment Group Headquarters- The Home Exercise Equipment Group Welcome to the Home Exercise Equipment Group....
Resistance Band Exercise- A gym body without the gym? Big time! Click Here to see how Resistance Bands&nbs...
Counting Calories To Lose Weight- Many people are trying to lose weight by counting and reducing the calories they...
An Excellent Addition to Your Workout: Leg Exercise Resistance Bands - This len explores on the use of thigh exercise bands as an alternative solution...
Lex Loop Exercise Bands- The Lex Loop Exercise Bands are the perfect workout-on-the-go resistance tubes....
