Convenience Exercise - Resistance Bands
I mentioned last week that with a new addition to my family I really haven’t had time to go to the gym. Well I’m not going to let that stop me from getting a workout or at least doing some exercise, so I decided to pick up a set of resistance bands so I can still get some exercise in at home.
I’ve been a little skeptical about these bands for a long time, but after using them I can see them as a great alternative when you have little else you can do. Granted, I would still recommend weights over these things, but sometimes you have to make adjustments. If you make a workout that consists of resistance bands and bodyweight exercises, you can still get in a pretty good workout.
I also realize that this is not the way to go if you’re looking to put on mass. I don’t know that anything really compares to heavy lifting for that!
Any other thoughts out there on this?
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As some one who never really enjoyed weights or weight rooms maybe this would be a better alternative for me. I think im going to
You’re right, building mass is tough with resistance bands only. They are good for muscle maintenance however. If you double up the thickest bands, you’d be surprised at how much tension they provide however.
If you want to increase the intensity of your home workout, consider a set of adjustable dumbbells. All I have at home is a set of powerblock dumbbells, and a chin-up and dip station. That’s it - and it’s plenty to build muscle. All I do is squats, dead-lifts, chin-ups, dumbbell chest presses and bent-over rows.
Resistance band exercises are ideal for home. There are many differents exercices you can do.
Bands do have their place, if you cant access a gym or own any free weights then I think they can come in handy.
Bodyweight excersizes are also handy in a similar situation, obviously nothing can substitute free weights but they can be quite effective for maintaining strength and mass for short periods of time.
I am not into weights. But how about doing pumping on the floor??
I agree it is good to have a backup plan when we can`t exercise at the gym ,bands are good a milk jug filled with water,etc are great ways to keep you active and toned but nothing beats a good workout at the gym.
I fully agree that weights are way better then the bands. I really don’t like them. (they just feel wierd when I use them)
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
Resistance bands are ok although you’re unlikely to put much mass using them. Why don’t you try bodyweight exercises too. It is possible to train your whole body using nothing but your own weight- that won’t make you really big but you can get very tough this way. There are brutal bodyweight exercises out there just waiting for you to find them… give it a try:)
Hi Dan,
Resistance bands are great for toning, regulating and lengthening muscle. This is why women prefer them to men. If you want to bulk up, resistance bands will not be the right choice. Resistance bands are not made for this and therefore should be used for regular light workouts.
Thanks,
Sarah.
i’ll give it a shot, gracias
Resistance bands make a great alternative to weights and are very universal.
I was always terrified to use the bands during weights - with my luck and bad coordination, I just knew it would come flying up and hit me in the face! I agree that they are good to keep your muscles in shape and to switch your routine up, but they don’t do anything as far as gaining muscle.
I love resistance bands for traveling and mobility in general. I bring them with me anytime I travel. And if I want to workout outside, they come in handy. Or, say I’m at my son’s soccer practice… ather than sitting there, I jog around the field, and bring my “rubber bands” for resistance training.