How to Use Resistance Bands

If you travel a lot or do not have a gym membership, using resistance bands can provide a great workout. Resistance bands are light yet still provide good weight training. There are a variety of exercises and ways to use resistance bands in your workout.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resistance bands

1. 

   Use them for sports training. The nice thing about resistance bands is you can add resistance as you mimic a move you would use in an athletic sport you participate in. Mirror the move by positioning the band in a way that adds resistance to the move.

2. 

   Lower body exercises. By stepping on the band, you can add resistance to squats and lunges.

3. 

   Leg press. You can also do leg presses by lying on the floor and putting one foot through the band and pressing.

4. 

   Biceps. There are many ways you can do upper body exercises using the resistance bands. For biceps, step on the band and grab the handle to complete a bicep curl.

5. 

   Triceps. For triceps, step on the band, pull the band behind your back and complete a triceps press. Or you can can do a triceps kickback as shown in the photo.

6. 

   Glutes. You can work your butt using the bands, too. Get down on your hands and knees and wrap a resistance band around one foot. Hold the handles in front of you to add resistance and flex the foot straight back, while tightening the glutes.

7. 

   Use stationary items to add resistance. You can wrap a resistance band around a bench in the park or a pole and step back and do rows.

Tips & Warnings

• Resistance bands come in various thickness, depending on level of resistance needed.
• These are just a few suggestions of many. Try different exercises to work different muscle groups.
• Consult a physical therapist or fitness professional before beginning any new exercise program.

[HowDragon]

on 12/15/2008 So many ways to use resistance bands. Thanks for the tips!