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What are resistance bands?

Have you ever seen those colorful elastic bands hanging around in gyms or rehab places? Well, they are actually called resistance bands or exercise bands, some people even call them “booty bands”. These rubber or fabric bands are great for strength training, rehabilitation, flexibility and stretching. They come in a variety of shapes, intensities and colors. They are very inexpensive, versatile and each type of band has its own unique use.

Choosing the right resistance band is very important:

Not all bands are designed to do the same thing. Some of them are perfect for stretching while others are meant to help you tone and build muscle. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Loop Rubber Bands:

These bands are mainly used for strengthening lower body muscles, especially legs and glutes. Most gyms and physical therapy places will have them available. They mainly come in four to six different colors, from extra light to ultra heavy.

Fabric loop bands:

Fabric bands are similar to rubber loop bands, but they are made of fabric. They are usually available in three resistance levels, light, medium and heavy. They are less stretchy than other bands, which makes the exercises more challenging. These bands are mainly used for lower body exercises. They are more durable, and they won’t rip as rubber bands sometimes do.

Tube bands with handles:

These bands are primarily used for more intense exercises. Focusing mainly on building muscle and strength. They come in different colors, which determines their level of intensity. The handles provide a sturdy grip, and they allow you to perform a variety of upper and lower body exercises. These bands are a perfect
replacement for free weights or machines.

Light therapy bands:

They are a little wider and flatter than other bands. The light therapy bands are perfect for stretching, toning and they are very popular for mind body programs. Since they are flat, they are easy to wrap around the hands to adjust the length.

What are the advantages of using resistance bands?

• Resistance bands can be used anywhere: Whether you are traveling, in a gym, at home or in the park, resistance bands are easy to bring along with you. They are super light and take almost no space.

• Resistance bands are multi-level: While the level of intensity for dumbbells or other equipment are determined by their weight, resistance bands determined their intensity based on their color. Depending on the type of exercise or level of intensity that you want, you can choose a color that will make it more or less challenging.

• Resistance bands are suitable for everybody: No matter your fitness level, age or challenges, resistance bands can benefit everyone. They can be very beneficial for building muscle, toning, stretching or recovering from an injury.

• Resistance bands are inexpensive: Compared with other exercise equipment, resistance bands are very affordable. If you don’t have access to a gym or to some dumbbells, you can still get a great total body.

Workout with just bands

Now that you have a little more knowledge about resistance bands, it is time to experiment with them. Don’t be afraid to challenge your body with a new workout tool. It is always good to change things up a bit. If you are new to exercise, may be start with the light therapy band, that is actually the one that I use the most. I can perfectly work my whole body with just a simple elastic band.