How to Do Single Arm Lateral Raise Resistance Band Exercises

A set of affordable and effective resistance bands

Isotonic resistance training is a form of strength building exercise that utilizes any inherent resistance or elasticity in a given material. Ever notice how woods or plastics will begin to flex when you put pressure on them? It’s basically the same principle, except you exert force on a material designed to flex much more deeply without breaking. Resistance bands are cheap, lightweight, and can easily fit into a drawer or cabinet when they’re not being used. This solves the constant problem of price, weight, and efficient use of space that anyone is faced with when considering investing in exercise machinery.

Things You'll Need

• Resistance bands

Instructions

1. Hook the resistance band firmly under the arch of your right foot. The length of the band going from your foot to your right arm should be greater than the length on the left side.

2. Move your left leg about 2 feet to the rear. Touch the ground with only the tips of your toes. Hold the handle of the band in your right hand firmly against the right hip.

3. Pull the handle in the left hand up and to the side until your arm is completely level with your shoulder, pointing out to your left. While doing this, raise your left leg straight back behind you to be as close to horizontal with the ground as you can get it.

4. Slowly let your left arm and leg back down to their starting positions. Repeat this move five times in total.

5. Reverse the steps above, using your left foot and right arm. With this done, you have completed a full set of lateral arm raises.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending upon your needs, resistance bands of differing lengths are available. You should also keep more than one band so as to have bands with different levels of resistance for working the different muscle groups. A resistance band used for working the large muscles of the legs would need to be stiffer than one used to work the small muscles in sides of the arm. This exercise works the glutes, hamstrings, shoulders and deltoids. Remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically throughout this entire exercise.

Resources

• Video instructions on single arm lateral raises