Resistance Bands: the Best Tool for your Home Gym

Published on: 08 August 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019
Resistance Bands: the Best Tool for your Home Gym

Resistance bands :

Resistance bands

These brightly-colored rubber bands are the perfect choice for any home gym.

Whether you’ve got a full weight-training setup or you prefer bodyweight exercise, the resistance band is a versatile tool to improve everything from mobility to maximum strength.

Stick with us because in this short article you’re going to learn everything you need to know about the why and how of resistance bands!

Resistance Bands: What Are They?

Resistance Bands: What Are They?

Resistance bands are basically tough, elastic bands that are designed to be used in exercise and sports training.

They can be any length, but the main two are “loops” that are put around body parts – such as the hip circle – or full-length bands that can also be used with weight training equipment.

They’re used for a variety of reasons:

  • Stretching
  • Bodyweight strengthening
  • Resistance training

We’re going to break these down one by one, so you know what you can expect from a high-quality resistance band.

Why We Love Resistance Bands So Much

Why We Love Resistance Bands So Much 

Home gyms require you to be space-efficient. When you’re in charge of buying and storing everything, you need to get the most out of equipment.

Resistance bands are the perfect bang-for-your-buck purchase. They have many uses, they’re cheap, you can store them easily, and they make everything you do in training better.

You can also take resistance bands anywhere – making it possible to get a great workout on the road, on camping trips, or when enduring the in-laws. This makes them unique among workout tools: good luck doing this with a barbell!

Stretching

Stretching

Bands make the perfect stretching tool for many reasons.

To start with, they apply gradual resistance. You’re subjecting your muscles to an increasingly more challenging stretch using bands. This is going to make it easier t get into the right positions and combat stubborn, tight muscles.

A great example of this is the shoulder dislocates. The point of this exercise is to warm up the shoulders and loosen off tight muscles in the chest. Bands are much better than a wooden rod for this, as they’ll actively open your chest up and force you to improve on the stretch.

Flexibility is good, but it isn’t much use if you can’t control your shoulders:

“flexibility without strength may predispose the individual to joint injury”

– David Joyce

Elastic resistance forces you to control the movement while you develop greater flexibility. This is crucial for reducing injury and strengthening connective tissues!

Elastic resistance is popular with the world’s best weightlifters and, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us!

Advanced Mobility

Advanced Mobility

Resistance bands play a big part in advanced mobility techniques and rehabilitation after injury.

Kelly Starrett’s approach to mobility involves bands to improve stretching exponentially. There are dozens of examples of this from improving hip stretches to building ankle mobility. If you’re serious about your mobility, bands can take it to the next level and save you hundreds of hours in the long-run!

They’re also a key part in physiotherapy and rehab. Bands are great for stability and strengthening work – allowing you to improve movement quality and strengthen neglected muscles. These all add up to mean healthier, safer joints.

Bodyweight Strengthening

Bodyweight Strengthening

Are pull-ups too difficult? Add a band.

Are push-ups too easy? Add a band!

Bodyweight strengthening is amazing: gymnastic strength training should be a part of everyone’s exercise routine. However, because you’re using your own body weight it can be hard to scale this to get easier or more difficult since you can’t add/lose weight that fasts.

Resistance bands can be used to assist exercises by attaching them to something that reduces the effect of gravity on you. Dips are a great example – you can put your knees in a band to make the exercise much easier and build towards full dips.

On the other hand, you can make exercises more difficult by adding a band. When performing a push-up, you can put the band in either hand and around your back so that it adds resistance towards the top of a push-up.

This is a great example of how versatile the resistance band is: it can make exercises easier or harder. It’s an easy way of scaling any exercise you can think of!

Resistance Training

Resistance Training

If you’re training for strength, power, or sports performance, resistance bands are perfect.

Adding bands to exercises like squats, deadlifts, and even sprints can provide amazing benefits for explosive power. By overloading the top of the movement (when the bands are elongated and provide most resistance) you can develop power in the knee- and hip extension.

Put simply, it makes these exercises easier at the bits that are usually easy. This ensures you’re putting maximum effort into the movements that build strength and power for other sports like Olympic lifting, sprinting, jumping and field sports (like rugby).

Closing Remarks

Resistance bands are great because they’re versatile, compliment every other type of training, and they’re amazingly practical.

With a key role in building strength, improving mobility, and preventing injury, resistance bands are amazing for your health and fitness goals.

If you’re short on money or you’re not sure what to buy for your home gym to get maximum value, they’re the right choice for you.

Read Also :

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

5 Ways You Can Be Inhibiting Your Fitness

5 Ways You Can Be Inhibiting Your Fitness

When it comes to fitness, you might be your own worst enemy. If it feels like you’re doing everything right, but still not getting the results you want, why are you still sticking to the same routine? There are many ways you might be getting in your own way and getting to the bottom of it starts with honesty. Are you really being honest with yourself when it comes to diet and exercise? Are you diligently tracking these figures—or are you over-obsessing? Too much in either direction can be dangerous. Here are five ways you might be inhibiting your own fitness and what to do about it: Not counting every bite if you’re looking to reduce fat. It’s not as simple as calories in, calories out, but sometimes it is. If you’re sticking to a certain caloric intake every day, make sure you count every single bite—and beverage. Alcohol is packed with calories and lowers our inhibitions, which is all part of alcohol’s lethality when it comes to diet goals. Count those calories, but keep in mind that there is an emerging eating disorder in which people “save” calories for alcoholic beverages. It’s been dubbed “drunkorexia”, and can lead to even more dangerous eating disorders. Getting too obsessed with the scale. Unfortunately, the scale can lie. Like a watched pot, it’s not going to give you what you want if you’re checking it daily—or multiple times per day. Doing so is a slippery slope and can lead to dangerous habits. The scale can only tell you weight, which doesn’t account for muscle or water retention. If you really want some numbers to help guide you on your fitness journey, use a tape measure. Measure the biggest part of your upper arms, the largest part of your chest, the smallest part of your waist, widest part of your hips, and largest part of your thighs and calves. All of these areas, especially the belly, can also fluctuate throughout the day. However, it’s a much safer (and saner) number system than the scale. You don’t push yourself at your workouts. Many people aren’t honest with themselves when it comes to their workouts. Could you be doing a harder level on the cross ramp? When the spin instructor tells you to empty the engine on a power interval, are you? If you’re working on muscle mass, do you really tap out between eight and twelve reps or could you do more (and increase the weight)? Working with a personal trainer can help you avoid cheats, as can working out in a group setting. It can be too easy to compromise when you always workout solo. Plus, group settings or a personal trainer can bring out your competitive spirit. Not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain. Since most Americans are chronically fatigued (and overweight) there’s a clear correlation here. One of the best things you can do is get enough rest. This will depend on you and your body, but ideally, you’ll be able to wake up without an alarm. If that isn’t doable, see about squeezing in a power nap mid-day. It’s seemingly one of the easiest ways to keep your weight in check. It also helps you get the most out of your workouts. You can’t give your all when you’re exhausted. Be realistic with rest days and cheat days. These days don’t mean you can go all-out on a binge. Some people find a cheat meal is safer. Others re-learn how to gauge their fullness. Cheat days can be helpful because they give your body what it’s craving, but it still needs to be in moderation. A rest day doesn’t need to be a complete rest, either. You can go on a walk or take a gentle yoga class. Again, honesty with yourself is key. If you’re getting in your own way, you’re also the one who can stop it. Pinpoint your biggest struggles and see what you can do to put yourself first. Read Also : Your Guide To HRT For Men How Does Smoking Weed Affect The Society Things To Pay Attention To When It Comes To Servicing Ultrasound Probe

READ MOREDetails
Fitness Gadgets

7 Myths About Fitness Gadgets And Wearables busted

We live in the golden age of digital, technological, scientific, medical, and social progress. Today, the development is defined almost entirely by the banal improvements in the technology. Digital health and fitness is now the center of attraction for everybody. We can’t imagine life without them. Surely, every day or the other we can see something new coming into the market. These days, fitness gadgets and wearables have created a lot of buzz, and you would find every other person having something smart in ‘their’ hands. These gadgets are a boon for the health-conscious people. But as they are an advantage to society, there are many misconceptions and myths which are attached to it. Let me point towards a few of them so that you have a better idea of what to avoid the next time you think of buying a fitness gadget. Wearables are fad If you’re saying so then you’re a fad! Wearables are definitely going to change. Some would become invisible, some will be disposed of, some will be fashion items and others would be implanted somewhere or the other. But the one thing which remains the same is that if we want to know more about us, we ought to know more about these wearables. Smartwatches needs smartphones This is not true all the time. Some of the big brands have SIM cards slots available inside the smartwatches for the solo connectivity. You wouldn’t need to pair them up with the smartwatches. These watches don’t require you to have a smartphone in your pocket to track down and record your exercise data. 5000 steps burn 200 calories This is not always true. These fitness belts also depend upon many factors such as body weight and age. Also, it depends upon “how briskly you’re walking?” “What’s your stride length?” “Are those steps up or down the hill? Also, the footsteps of many people can be varying. If you’re on a weight loss plan, don’t count your calories this way. Eat a little less; about a quarter of what you’re usually eating, walk about 10 thousand steps, and you’d surely reap the benefits. Wearable payments are not safe The truth is that it is safer than most of the contactless and cashless payments. A wearable is connected to your debit or credit card, and each time you tap, the payment is taken off. Also, there are certain limits per transaction, so it would be difficult for someone to take out your money as the system would auto decline them. Sleep tracker smart alarms would make you feel better It is not true in all cases and situations. Smart alarms are capable of detecting your phase of sleep and demonstrate how “smart” the technology is rather something that we actually need in our lives. Wearables would make you look at screens all-day No, this is simply not true. Wearables are made to look away from the screen of your phone. Of course, you need to peep inside the screen of your watch. But the idea here is that they act as devices which can filter out the noise of your mobile. In a quick glance, you can select which phones to pick up. An eye at your arm helps you in ignoring the “not-so-important” social media buzz. These things would help you in socially detoxifying yourself. Heart-rate monitors on watches are not enough accurate The deal here is these heart monitors are more accurate than most of the other Heart-rate monitors available in the market. And of course, they are getting more accurate day by day. So, if you want to buy a smart gadget, keep this important stuff in mind. Also, don’t get carried away with what people have to bluff about these beautiful pieces of innovation. Read also: 13 Best Herbs that Boost your Metabolism Top 5 Life Hacks Of Dealing With The Symptoms Of Menopause

READ MOREDetails
Relax

Ways to Relax Yourself after a Long Day of Work

We are sure that you can connect with the feeling of no ounce of energy we invest in your body after a long, tiring day at work. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, we just can’t seem to unwind at the end of the day after working hard. Your brain is still working at an overdrive thinking about the could haves and would haves. If you ask anyone a way out, they'll simply tell you to leave your job at your office. However, it is better said than done. Read on as we list a few ways in which you can relax and calm physically and mentally. Lie Down on Your Bed and Do Nothing Of course, we were going to start with this tip! You have spent hours at your job sitting in the same position with no rest. Do you feel that strain in your neck and shoulders that is constantly irritating you? It is due to this very reason. Just lie down in your bed or couch, close your eyes, and do nothing. For this purpose, you need to ensure that your bed or couch is comfortable. If it’s not, take the necessary steps to make it comfortable. For your couch, if you feel that your cushions are not good enough, you can use pillows instead. In fact, there are also pillows designed for neck pain relief to effectively help you relax your body. Stay away from clumpy couches as well - not good for your back. If you prefer lying down in your bed, make sure that the mattress is good. Often, long office hours can cause back pain. To get relief, you can buy a mattress designed for back pain as well. In the end, do nothing - just lounge around and try to take the mind of your work. Take a Hot Bath Most of the time, we take short and quick showers to rush to the office – a short hygienic ritual and we’re done. This gives you all the more reason to take a long bath at the end of the day. Soaking in hot water has a therapeutic effect on your mind. The soothing effect of hot baths can help you drastically lower your anxiety levels. In addition to this, it’s also beneficial to regulate the circulatory system as well as lower your blood pressure. The warm wetness surrounding you can be the perfect way to destress yourself, for sure. Indulge in Your Hobby to Enjoy Yourself The dictionary defines a hobby as an activity that is done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure. Well, this couldn’t have been after. The reason why you call something your hobby is because you enjoy it, which can also make it a great stress-buster. If you like reading a book, this is the best time to get lost in the world of imaginary characters and powerful plots. If you prefer reading non-fiction too, the inspirational stories can help to instill in you a sense of contentment and positivity. If you like painting, cooking or listening to music, go ahead and indulge! In fact, listening to music can really be one of the best ways to destress after a long day - even research backs this fact! Call Your Friends and Family Thank God for friends and family for being there when we want to vent or share things. We always have a few family members or friends who help us calm down. Maybe it’s their advice, their humor, or just their ability to hear which makes them that perfect refuge. So, when you return home, make yourself comfortable and call your lifeline.  Even if you don’t want to share anything about your day, you can always listen to them recount a funny story from the past or share something amusing that may have happened to them. Try to Meditate You must already be aware of the benefits of meditating. Taking out even ten minutes of your daily schedule can be extremely positive for your body. Your mood, blood pressure, breathing, and your stress levels will all be under control. There are also many meditation applications available on the internet which you can download for this purpose. Just make sure that you are in a noise-free environment where you can relax. Visit the Gym for a Last-Minute Workout If you are health-conscious or like visiting the gym, you might already be aware of the benefits of gymming. If you aren't, before you cross this tip out of the list, hear us out first. According to Mayo College, exercise is actually helpful to reduce stress in multiple ways. Not only do you feel your confidence improve, but due to the secretion of endorphins in the body, you also feel good. The fact that you also are doing something productive makes your mood better as well. Change Into More Comfortable Clothing Formal clothing is usually uncomfortable because you have to wear full suits, shirts, pencil skirts, heels, and whatnot. If you quickly change your clothes into something more comfortable or even nightwear, you’ll be figuratively be shedding off heaps of exhaustion and frustration. Make it a point to follow this because, at first, you might feel a bit lethargic but, it actually is better for your own wellbeing. Not that fashionable, but oh-so-comfy!  Watch Relaxing Videos Online Since the purpose here is to enter into a blissful state away from worry, watching relaxation videos on YouTube can be the best way out. Not only is this completely free of cost, but you get to enjoy nearly any video that you feel can help you recharge your batteries. You can also watch your favorite sitcom, movie, or TV series. A good tip would be to stick to watching comedies. The laughing can be good for your soul and spirit. Seeing your favorite stand-up comedian in action can help you forget about your deadlines, work pressure, and anything that may be weighing you down mentally. Read Also: The Perfect Way For Girls To Unwind And Relax With Their Friends In Brisbane The Best Way In Relaxing Your Feet Why The Best Time To Relax Is When You Don’t Have Time For It

READ MOREDetails