Ah the humble resistance band. The Swiss Army knife of the fitness world– it’s versatile, portable, and capable of delivering a killer workout, whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just dipping your toes into the world of fitness. Either way, to really benefit from these awesome tools, it’s vital you understand how they work, what the options are, and how to use them. This blog will explain all and have you ready to join the resistance band revolution!
Getting Started with Resistance Bands
Before we jump into the exercises, let's cover the basics. Resistance bands come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and resistance levels, allowing you to tailor your workouts to your individual needs. Here's a quick rundown of the most common types:
-
Loop Bands: Typically flat and forming a continuous loop (hence the name, but it’s essentially a big rubber band). Great for bodyweight assistance to help you achieve pull ups, dips, etc, full-body workouts, warmups… you name it.
-
Tube Bands: With handles on either end, tube bands can be used for a wide range of exercises, from bicep curls to shoulder presses. They offer adjustable resistance by adjusting your grip on the handles or stepping further away from the anchor point.
-
Mini Bands: Like loop bands but shorter and wider. Most regularly used for lower body exercises to increase strength and stability.
Set Up Your Space
One of the best things about resistance bands is their portability—you can take them anywhere! At home, in the gym, or even on vacation, all you need is a bit of space to get your sweat on, and the bands will do the rest! So clear a designated workout area free from obstacles, and you're ready to get your resistance on.
Warm Up, Warm Up, Warm Up
Just like any other workout, it's crucial to warm up your muscles first. Start with some dynamic stretches or light cardio to get the blood flowing and prepare your body for action. Your muscles will thank you later!
Just Do It (Correctly)
Proper form is the name of the game when it comes to resistance band exercises. Pay close attention to your posture and alignment, and focus on engaging the target muscles throughout each movement. It's a cliche but it’s always better to perform fewer reps with excellent form than to crank out a bunch of sloppy reps and risk injury.
Sample Resistance Band Exercises
Resistance band uses are endless but to give a flavor of what you could use them for, below are a few of our favorite exercises, that cover a range of targeted muscle groups.
-
Banded Squats: Place the band around your thighs, just above the knees, and perform a regular squat, as you would with just your body weight or barbells. The resistance band adds extra tension to engage your glutes, quads, and hamstrings for a great lower body workout.
-
Banded Rows: Anchor the band (tube probably best but a loop works too) to a sturdy object at chest height, grab the handles with an overhand grip, and step back until you feel tension in the band. Pull the handles towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you go.
-
Banded Push-ups: Wrap the band (loop or tube) around your back and hold the ends in your hands as you assume a push-up position. As you lower your body towards the ground, the band provides extra resistance, making your chest, shoulders, and triceps work even harder.
-
Banded Lateral Walks: Step into a mini band and place it around your ankles. Take small steps to the side, maintaining tension in the band throughout the movement. This exercise targets your hip abductors, helping to strengthen and stabilize your hips.
-
Banded Shoulder Press: Stand on the center of a tube resistance band and grab the handles with an overhand grip. Raise your arms to shoulder height, palms facing forward, and press the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended. Lower with control and repeat for a solid shoulder burn.
Coooool Down
After your workout, take some time to cool down and stretch out your muscles. Use static stretches to release tension and promote flexibility, focusing on the areas you worked during your session. Your body will thank you for the extra TLC!
Which Resistance Bands Should I Try?
Looking for quality resistance bands to kickstart your fitness journey? Major Fitness’ Resistance Power Bands are super durable loop bands and come in a set of three, each with different resistance levels. If you’d also like to add a tube band to your setup, the Bodylastics Resistance Band Set comes highly recommended by various reputable sources.
Final Thoughts
With their versatility, affordability, and effectiveness, resistance bands are a must-have tool for any fitness enthusiast. They truly offer endless possibilities for strength training, rehabilitation, and beyond. So, let's band together (sorry, we had to), try out new ways of working out, and crush our fitness goals!
Best sellers
MAJOR FITNESS 7ft 20kg Home Gym Barbell
- Regular price
- $259.99
- Sale price
- $259.99
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Folding Power Rack Lightning F35
- Regular price
- From $899.99
- Sale price
- From $899.99
- Regular price
-
$949.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07
- Regular price
- From $1,099.99
- Sale price
- From $1,099.99
- Regular price
-
$1,399.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS Rack Mounted Leg Extension
- Regular price
- $359.99
- Sale price
- $359.99
- Regular price
-
$389.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01
- Regular price
- From $219.99
- Sale price
- From $219.99
- Regular price
-
$259.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22
- Regular price
- From $879.99
- Sale price
- From $879.99
- Regular price
-
$929.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Spirit B52
- Regular price
- From $1,449.99
- Sale price
- From $1,449.99
- Regular price
-
$1,499.99 - Unit price
- per
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03
- Regular price
- From $699.99
- Sale price
- From $699.99
- Regular price
-
$929.99 - Unit price
- per
