September 27, 2020: Why Resistance Bands
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You won’t be able to resist the resistance bands (sorry). If you scroll through Instagram’s fitness hashtags, you’ll be hard pressed to find a workout without resistance bands being used in a gym, home, or outdoor setting, and there are a few good reasons why. This week, we’re going to talk about why resistance bands are worth your time.
Cost Effective
You can get a full-body workout for just a few bucks. Compared to a full weight set, resistance bands come in a variety of resistances and range from as little as $5 for one to $15 for a full set.
Easy to Use
Resistance bands are easy enough for someone at any fitness level to use. Because they come in different resistances, a beginner can get a tough workout in with the lowest level resistance and work their way up to a higher resistance. The color of the band will indicate the level of resistance, but the thicker the band the more resistance.
Resourceful
Resistance bands come in a variety of forms. There are pull up bands that are four feet long, mini bands that you can use for leg workouts, handle tube bands which come with a grip, clip tube resistance bands that have grips that can attach to your ankles or you can grab, figure 8 bands used for upper body workouts, and bungee style bands to attached to another person or bungee. You can use resistance bands to replace any familiar workout with dumbbells. For instance, you can use a handle tube band, step on the middle portion of the band and curl your arm up using the grips - you’ve just performed a bicep curl without a weight.
Whole-Body Workout
Because you can replace weights with resistance bands, they can be used to work every major muscle group. They work like weights, causing your muscles to contract to stabilize and control the movements, and they can be used in a variety of workouts for your upper and lower body.
Space Saver
Think about the amount of space a weight bench and set of dumbbells can take up, or even the floor space to store a few kettlebells. Resistance bands are lightweight and easy to store - and they’re travel friendly. If you’re on the road often, you can easily pack these in your suitcase and bring your workout with you.
Safe
You can workout with resistance bands alone and not worry about needing a spotter or dropping a heavy weight on your foot. They also help protect your joints and muscles because they don’t apply pressure the same way weights do.
Versatile
Resistance bands can be used by themselves or you can add them to your normal workouts. If you're doing the same workout routine over and over, your muscles get used to that workout, leading to less muscle gain. But, if you combine resistance bands with weights, you’re giving your muscles variety, and that helps with the gains.
Next Sunday, we’ll talk about a delicious meat-free, but high-protein option for your meatless Monday or any day of the week.
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I hope you have a wonderful week,
Kelly
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.
Tsirona - www.tsirona.com
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