Resistance Bands
What are Resistance Bands?
An increasingly popular item in many fitness
studios and home gyms, resistance bands (also called exercise bands or
tubes) are bands made of rubber tubing which are used for strength-training.
Bands are usually color-coded according to how "resistant" they
are. These fitness accessories are the ultimate space-saving exercise
apparatus and can be very effective for developing muscle strength and
body toning.
How Resistance Bands Work?
During strength-training workouts with exercise
bands, the muscles are forced to meet and overcome the resistance effect
of the bands. This strengthens the muscles involved. Like bike-pedals,
or the pulley on a rowing machine, or hand-weights, resistance bands are
simply a way of making the muscles work.
Types of Resistance Band
The two basic types include thin flat
bands - typically 4 feet in length - which are good for ankle strengthening
and lower-body exercises, and tubes - typically also 4-5 feet long
with plastic handles - which are useful for upper-body workouts and for
exercising both sides of the body (eg. left and right arm) at the same
time.
What Level of Resistance to Choose?
The strength of resistance band you need
depends on your current strength and height. The taller you are, the more
the band stretches, so the more resistant it can be. Most sports stores
can advise you as to the best band for you.
Resistance Band and Weight
Control
Resistance Bands improve health and fitness,
build muscle tissue, and develop a leaner body shape. They also help to
raise metabolism and may also help to develop a flat stomach. To lose
fat tissue, and reduce weight, workouts using Resistance Bands need to
be combined with a calorie-controlled diet. Because unless you create
a calorie deficit, you can't burn fat and therefore lose weight.
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