Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are like large multi ply rubber bands used to offer resistance to upper body muscles or muscle groups. They come in different degrees of thickness, which makes tension tighter and the level of resistance higher. One resistance band designed for an adult would not be appropriate for a teen or a child, nor would one with high level of resistance be workable for someone with low tolerance, and vice versa. Using a resistance band, then, is a personalized effort and relies on the user’s particular needs.

By stretching muscles prior to using resistance bands, workouts tend to be more dynamic and yield a greater degree of tolerance due to enhanced muscle flexibility and increased energy levels in the body. Resistance band exercises, then, include warm-ups, just like many other forms of exercises. In this sense, muscle-stretching is a part of the resistance band workout.

All exercisers can use these bands to their own advantage. Resistance band workouts have, or can have, three different levels: beginning repetitions, intermediate repetitions, and advanced repetitions. Beginners should commence with one set of 16 reps for each particular exercise they do in any work. That amount should be doubled for the intermediate exerciser, who has used the resistance band for approximately three months. Two sets of 12-16 reps here are about right, depending on one’s degree of tolerance. For the advanced exercisers—those who have progressed beyond a three-month period of use—sets are increased from the intermediate by 1 ½ times, meaning 2-3 sets of 12-16, again depending on the user’s degree of tolerance and speed of progression.

Resistance bands for the upper body are of a variety and therefore have a virtually endless range of possible uses. Some exercises using resistance bands include: the Chest Press, which basically means hooking up the resistance band to an object and thrusting it forward from behind, like pulling a wagon with a harness; the One-Armed Reverse Fly, a simple but challenging exercise whereby one foot braces one end of the resistance band while the opposite arm pulls it up and away; and the Overhead Press that requires bracing the center of the band and pulling up over the head with both hands. Among the many other possibilities involve resistance band leg exercises. This means that resistance exercise bands are not exclusively for the upper body, although most, if not all, resistance band exercises will have upper-body involvement. With the use of resistance bands, exercises will indelibly be a total body experience.

Anyone interested in buying online, resistance bands are for sale at a number of sites specializing in resistance bands, exercise equipment, or health management. Free resistance band exercises are also available to come by.

Resistance bands are ideal for the beginner before moving onto weight-lifting. These can strain muscles if used inappropriately, but they are far more manageable and present less of a health risk than weight-lifting.