WHY YOU SHOULDN’T RESIST BUYING A RESISTANCE BAND

If you are like many fitness enthusiasts, Covid-19 shut down your gym for at least part of 2020, and you were stuck at home wondering how the heck you would keep up with your fitness routine. Getting a cardio workout without a gym can be done pretty easily if the weather is cooperative, but strength training can be a bit more difficult without access to free weights and machines in the gym. Those who tried to buy weights during 2020 had difficulty because of increased demand for at-home fitness products and challenges with the supply chain due to the pandemic. Fortunately, resistance bands are here to rescue you (and your muscles!) from the woes of at-home workouts.

WHAT ARE RESISTANCE BANDS?

Resistance bands are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment made of rubber or elastic that you can use for strength training and flexibility. They come in several formats and tensions to allow for different types of training and ability levels. Here are some of the most commonly available types:

Loop Bands

This type of band looks sort of like a giant rubber band and can be effective for upper and lower body workouts. Loop bands are also sold as mini resistance bands that are really effective for firing up the lower body in particular.

Tube Bands

This type of resistance band is a long, skinny rubber tube with handles on each end. It can function in the place of dumbbells for upper body workouts.

Figure 8 Bands

These bands look like a tube band made into the number 8 with handles on both sides. Use these for upper and lower body workouts.

Therapy Bands

These flat, wide bands resemble a rubber scarf. They are commonly used in physical therapy but also have a place in workouts as well.

WHY USE RESISTANCE BANDS?

They’re inexpensive—Especially when compared to traditional dumbbells and other fitness machines, resistance bands are a cost-effective way to work your muscles without draining your bank account.

They’re portable—As travel becomes an option again, having a piece of fitness equipment that you can pack in your suitcase is a great way to avoid taking a vacation from strength training.

They’re effective—A recent meta-analysis showed that resistance bands provide similar benefits in terms of strength gains as conventional fitness equipment, so you aren’t sacrificing the benefits of your workouts by using these more convenient devices.¹

They don’t take up much space—Who needs dedicated fitness space when your equipment can fit in your sock drawer?

They’re versatile—You can use the same band to target different muscle groups. Also, by folding the band in half or standing on the band at different widths, you can totally change the tension of band.

CAN YOU BUILD MUSCLE WITH RESISTANCE BANDS?

Yes, you can absolutely build muscle with resistance bands! Check out resistance bands for a sure-fire way to keep your muscles active and strong. Pandemic or not, resistance bands should have a place in everyone’s fitness routine.