As an alternative to weights, exercise resistance bands are quickly gaining popularity. But what are resistance bands and just what can they do for you?
Resistance bands are stretchy elastic bands that come in a variety of sizes, resistances, and colors. You attach them, most commonly to a door, and the band creates resistance for you to pull against.
The biggest advantage resistance bands have over weights is the cumulative effect of the tightening band. When lifting a 5 lb. weight, you get 5 lbs. of resistance throughout the entire movement. But when pulling on a resistance band, the resistance increases as you pull it tighter. You build more muscle more quickly and we all know that more muscle creates more calorie burning and thus more fat loss!
In regards to safety: you are not very likely to overextend your joints, which is much more likely with weights. And if you drop a resistance band on your foot it won’t hurt!
As with other forms of exercise, resistance bands help to increase endurance, reduce stress, and boost energy. The low impact nature of exercise resistance bands helps build joint strength and increase flexibility. When you use these bands, you are building lean muscle mass and burning away fat.
There are lots of advantages to adding resistance bands to your workout routine. They are really inexpensive compared to other home gym equipment and very versatile. You can add a band to many of the movements you already use, such as bicep curls or lunges, to increase the intensity of your workout. They are small, flexible, and portable. Put an exercise resistance band in your purse and you can pull it out for a quick 5-minute workout almost anywhere!
Want to find out more about exercise resistance bands? Please visit Deb Conn’s blog, That Figures Women’s Fitness.
