When it comes to fitness, the versatility of resistance bands is unmatched. They can be used for tons of fitness activities. You can creatively use them to achieve your fitness goals even without an instructor.
Staying fit rose to global consciousness and indulgence at the start of the 21st century. It has remained so ever since. Undoubtedly, people want to be fit and in great shape, and above all, it’s an excellent way to stay healthy.
This trend has led to the production of many exercise equipment to enhance fitness training. The traditional dumbbells and squat racks come to mind.
However, resistance bands have proven to be more versatile in the fitness world than any of their counterparts. The myriad of tools and equipment meant for training can be confusing to settle for one or two without feeling like you’re losing out on the rest. But resistance bands are all-in-one fitness training enhancers hence; the ultimate fitness companions.
Whether you are aiming at staying fit for your health’s sake, for recreation, or you just want to shed off a few pounds, the versatility of resistance bands will profoundly help you. In this article, we’ll look at some of the impressive features of resistance bands, their benefits, how versatile they are, and the different exercises for which they can be used.
Let’s start with its features.
Features of Resistance Bands
Portability
Resistance bands are convenient and portable. You can easily bag them and travel. It goes to say that, with these bands, you can exercise anywhere you are so long as you have space and time.
For most persons, exercises take a break from their lives when they travel. You can hardly blame them; imagine bagging a dumbbell. But with resistance bands, there are no excuses or limitations. Some even come with a carry bag, and with that, you have a mobile gym.
Simplicity
Using a resistance band is a no-brainer. Its sheer simplicity makes it easy for just anyone to use. However, if you want to make the best of the one you own, there are instructional videos and pictures online to guide you. We won’t be talking about resistance bands’ versatility if they are not simple or minimalistic in design.
Made for Everyone
Resistance bands are designed for everyone. They work for anyone regardless of age, size, color, race. Talk of a typical one-size-fits-all gym assistant, and you have them. If you are pregnant and you feel adventurous, there’s no harm in trying.
Nonetheless, you should consult your ante-natal fitness expert to know if it’s okay for you to use it. You can’t be too careful in a world filled with surprises.
Varying Resistance Levels
Some products come with three to four varying degrees of resistance. From the light to medium and heavy, you have options. For starters, you can begin with the lighter option and advance into their heavier counterparts with time. If you are in your early or late 50’s, the lighter option can serve you better.
Regardless of the degree of resistance, what matters at the end is that you achieve your specific goals. More importantly, accomplish these goals at your own convenience.
Benefits of Resistance Bands
Here are 5 significant benefits of a resistance band asides from the common knowledge of it being the best handy fitness material.
1. You Don’t Need a Gym to Stay Fit
If subscribing for a gym membership will cause a strain on your budget, or you just don’t have the time for it, a resistance band can be a worthy substitute. You can use it at home for your exercises and achieve your body goals without a gym. This way, you engage in a relatively cheaper option, save time, and enjoy the liberty of exercising at your own will.
Another reason you might not need that gym membership is that the band allows you to train at any time of the day. 4:30am could be the only time you can spare for it in a day. The gym can be open 24hours a day in most areas.
However, the idea of heading out of your comfort zone at that time of the day might not be comfortable. And then you still have to return and prepare for work. It’s no doubt stressful.
2. Relief for Back and Shoulders Pain
The use of these bands is therapeutic for back and shoulder pain. So if you want to alleviate that ailing back, you can use a resistance band to stretch your chest, shoulders, and back while balancing your posture.
This can be a worthy alternative for massaging if you are alone or can’t afford a massage parlor’s luxury. But if you can, the pairing of massage and using a resistance band will certainly not make a bad idea.
3. Reduced Risk of Injuries
If you are not too careful with weights and other heavy-duty fitness equipment, you risk being injured. Your chances of sustaining injuries are even higher if you are just starting out.
However, bands are risk-free. Injuries are rare because they are flexible and don’t have sharp objects attached to them. I mean, what could possibly go wrong with an elastic band. But this doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind; you still need to be careful as a rule of thumb.
4. Stretching is Healthy
Suppose the nature of your job demands that you stay glued to a seat for hours. In that case, you can occasionally suffer from back stiffness and, generally, entire body stiffness, which is a terrible situation to be in.
Consequently, experts have warned that sitting too much is drastically unhealthy and shortens one’s lifespan.
Nevertheless, you’ve got bands to help you stretch your body after work each day and stay healthy.
5. Injury Rehab
If you are trying to heal from a shoulder or ankle sprain or any other form of injury associated with being an athlete, you need the resistance bands. The bands help you recover faster in the rehab mission.
It’s not ideal to start pushing your body to its limits after recovering from an injury. This is why resistance bands are vital. They help you limit the amount of pressure that you can possibly apply to a healing body part.
Now to the good stuff.
Versatility of Resistance Bands
Whether you are trying to lose weight or just stay fit well into your 50’s, here are the different ways or exercises you can use your resistance bands for.
Core Twist
This one focuses on your abdominals, and it’s excellent for shedding belly fat, amongst other tangible health benefits. To get started, find a way to attach the band to a wall clip, which will serve as an anchor. Also, you need to ensure it’s within shoulder height or ankle height.
Whichever you choose, you can comfortably stretch your body away from the wall and twist your abdominals. If they are attached to your ankles, your thighs and waist will also benefit from the exercise.
One golden rule here: maintain your feet position. If you are unstable down your feet, you won’t get your desired results.
Lat Pulls
This exercise is for your shoulders and back. To begin, attach the resistance band to the wall, just like in the core twist. This time, it should be slightly above your head. Hold the grips firmly with both hands, pull away, release, and repeat the process. The golden rule of maintaining your feet position also applies here.
Glute and Hip Extension
This is for your hamstring, hips, and glutes. Again, you have to attach the band to the wall anchor, this time a little above the floor.
Then you proceed to attach the grip or strap to your ankles. When you’ve done this, you can then face the wall squarely and place your hands on it for support.
You are ready to start at this point. So you just start by pulling your legs backward and releasing gently. Repeat till you’ve had enough. Now this one demands that you move your feet, unlike the first two.
More on the Versatility of Resistance Bands
Here are some more versatile uses of resistance bands culled from resistance band training
- Multi-plane stretching
- Muscle building
- Shoulder pull-ups
- Reactive stabilization training
- Alternative free weight training
- Cardiovascular training
- Flexibility exercises
- Multi-force vector strength exercises
- Supplementary body strength training
- Squats and dips training
Conclusion
Health is wealth and also the most paramount factor in our lives. Consequently, it should be treated with every sense of commitment. Staying fit is one proven pathway to lead a healthier life and last well into your 90’s without getting wizened.
It then calls for the need to exercise. Since going out to train might be uncomfortable, home options are welcomed any day.
That makes the essence of resistance bands and their versatility more special. They are affordable and practical in helping you achieve your fitness goals. You can jump on them now.