Using Resistance Bands
What are resistance bands?
Resistance bands, typically rubbery in texture, come in various colors, sizes, lengths and strengths. They are used to create resistance in order to get muscle recruitment. While using them, the bands force the muscle fibers to contract resulting in increased strength.
How many types of resistance bands are there?
Many, but which type you use depends on the kind of workout you are looking for:
● Resistance Bands with Handles – These tube bands are primarily used for working out and building muscle strength and size. The handles provide a sturdy grip and allow for a variety of exercises, like what you might perform with free weights or machines.
● Loop Bands – These bands form a closed loop. These are primarily used for strengthening the legs and glutes but can also be used for general strength training. I use these bands often in my workouts.
● Power and Mobility Bands – These heavy duty bands loop bands offer variable resistance for cross-training and weight training. They are also great for stretching.
What are some of the benefits to resistance bands?
● Recruit stabilizing muscles – Resistance bands can feel a little unsteady to use. This means you need to work doubly hard to maintain your form. But by doing this, you are targeting your stabilizing muscles and building core strength, all at the same time.
● Fundamental functional training – There is a lot more movement involved when using resistance bands compared to more traditional style exercises. However, this is great for working your joints and allowing for more natural movements that you do in everyday life.
● Compound exercises – Compound exercises are when you use several muscles at the same time making for a really efficient workout. Resistance band exercises are naturally more geared towards compound movements, so you can use them to get a full body workout.
● Increased control – When using resistance bands, you can control the angle you train at. This means you can avoid training in uncomfortable positions, which straight bars and dumbbells can aggravate, while still targeting the right muscle groups. They also allow you to maintain tension on the bands throughout the workout meaning each rep needs to be high quality and your muscles need to be working hard the whole way through. You’ll focus more on squeezing the muscle right until the very end ensuring a full contraction.
What’s better resistance bands or weights?
Both are great! Resistance bands and weights both offer viable strength training options. It is generally thought that weights are more effective at working the primary muscle groups, whereas bands work more of the surrounding muscle groups due to the need for more stabilization during the exercise. Since the body is an incredibly adaptive machine and needs to be continually challenged in multiple ways, using both options is a good choice for many people.
What brand of resistance bands do I recommend and use myself?
My favorite resistance bands are by FlaGO Fitness! FlaGo Fitness is a brand of fitness tools and accessories created by women for women and is especially perfect for me and my Women’s Fitness Group! They have created the perfect workout combination of bands so that you never miss a workout, no matter where you are! You can choose from varieties of Mini Bands, Power Bands (also known as Long Loop Bands) and Fabric Bands. Go to FlaGOFitness.com and check them out! Use code: ELLIE and receive 10%!
