When it comes to strength training, most of us stick to the usual free weights and machines or, if we’re feeling adventurous, we may venture over to the cable or free motion machines at the gym. What you don’t see a lot of is work with resistance bands or tubing.
We’re often confused about what resistance bands do and how to use them, but they’re a great way to supplement your workouts and add variety. Here are some reasons to consider adding them to your workouts.
They travel well. You can easily pack them in your suitcase for travel and exercise in the car or in your hotel room.
They increase coordination. Because there’s tension throughout the exercises, you have to stabilize your body. This helps with coordination, balance and it also helps you
involve more muscle groups.
They add variety. With weights, you’re often limited as to how many exercises you can do. However, the resistance band allows you to change your positioning in multiple ways. This changes how your body works and how an exercise feels.
They’re cheap. Bands range anywhere from $6 to $20, depending on how many you get and where you buy them, which makes them cost effective.
They’re great for all fitness levels. Depending on how you use them, bands can be great for beginners as well as more advanced exercisers. You can use them for basic moves or to add intensity to traditional exercises.