Benefits of Resistance Band

Training with resistance bands allows you to build long, lean muscle and burn fat all over. You can incorporate them into your yoga or Pilates routine or alternatively perform exercises to get a total body workout. They are readily available and can be bought inexpensively. Lightweight and compact, they can go traveling with you. They are also great to use when recovering from an injury.

Types

Resistance bands are tubes of rubber attached to handles that are either made from foam for comfort, or plastic. Many bands are available, differentiated by color--different colors refer to differing levels of resistance. You can vary the resistance from 5 pounds to more than 50. Some bands have interchangeable mechanisms that allow you to attach two or more bands for increased resistance, or change the resistance level according to the exercise being performed.

Price

You can buy resistance bands more cheaply than dumbbells. They are readily available and you can buy them from sporting goods stores and online. A single band can cost less than $15, and sets with multiple bands and kits--including exercise manuals and workout DVDs--can be bought for less than $50.

Size

Resistance bands are small and compact, so that you can wrap them up and store them away conveniently in a small drawer or on top of a shelf.

Convenient

Resistance bands are lightweight, compact and portable, so you can take them with you when traveling for business or pleasure. You don't need to miss a workout, or worry about finding a gym, as they will fit into your suitcase.

Exercises

You can get a full-body workout with resistance bands, using exercise moves that target your lower body and upper body. Exercising with resistance bands keeps your core engaged at all times, thus strengthening and toning your midsection even as you perform other exercises. Because of their versatility, a slight change in the angle of your movement will target a different set of muscles, offering a great range of motion.

Rehabilitation

Resistance bands are often used in physiotherapy and are ideal for working out if you have suffered an injury or are recovering form one. They allow you to stretch and exercise at a low impact level without straining your muscles.

References

• Bodylastics