Stretch Band Training

Stretch bands are convenient to use in a home fitness routine.

Stretch bands are hollow rubber tubes of various sizes and lengths which provide resistance against muscles when they are stretched. In addition to being used for sports training, they are used by health practitioners such as physical therapists for rehabilitation exercises.

Advantages

Resistance bands are so small and lightweight that, unlike bulky exercise equipment, you can take stretch bands with you away from home or gym. Use bands at home and eliminate the excuse of not having room for exercise equipment. Another advantage of working out with stretch bands is that they provide resistance throughout the entire range of motion, which is not always the case when working out with free weights.

Stretch Band Exercises

You can do most of the typical workout exercises -- including squats, rows and presses -- with stretch bands. Any muscle group that can be worked with regular weights can also be worked with stretch bands.

Off Season Training

Many athletes use stretch bands in their off season training routines to recover and regenerate overused muscles. This is also the aim of physical therapy when resistance bands are used in a health care setting or for home rehabilitation.

References

• Sports Fitness Advisor: Resistance Band Exercises
• Bodybuilding.com: What Is The Best Workout With Resistance Bands?