Resistance band benefits
As resistance bands are a low-impact alternative to weight training, this also makes them a great option for building endurance for those who don’t want to focus solely on free weights. One of the main benefits of resistance bands are that they provide more exercise variety and are easily transportable so you can take your workout with you wherever you go.
How you can use resistance bands:
- To build strength – when you use a resistance band you put extra force through your muscles to stretch the band which in turn builds strength.
- To improve mobility – resistance bands are a great way to help you improve your flexibility, but you can also use them improve joint mobility by using them to help with things like leg circles.
- For rehabilitation – bands can be an essential tool when recovering from knee, hip and shoulder issues, they also can be used to help those with conditions like MS stabilise themselves.
The benefits of using resistance bands:
As you can see, resistance bands have all sorts of uses. And there are numerous benefits to including resistance band work in your training:
1) IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR EXERCISES
Our bodies adapt quickly to change so using a resistance band can give your body a new challenge which will help it to grow and adapt.
Resistance band training is unlike other forms of ‘weight’ training because your muscle is under constant tension, with this tension and feedback from your muscles you are likely to get a better quality exercise.
2) BETTER CONTROL OF THE MOVEMENT
When starting out with a resistance band it can feel a little shaky. With resistance bands you have to hold the tension during the contraction and release of the exercise so that the band does not ‘snap back’. This added focus and control through the movement means you work harder to stabilise the movement and stay in control of the band.
3) THEY RECRUIT YOUR STABILISING MUSCLES
We mentioned above how resistance bands can feel a little shaky to use. This just means you need to work doubly hard to maintain your form.
But by doing this, you’re targeting your stabilising muscles and building core strength, all at the same time.
4) FUNDAMENTAL FOR FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Resistance bands promote functional movement, there is a lot more movement required in resistance band exercises and all this added movement is perfect for working your joints in a more natural way like you do in everyday life.
5) TAKE THEM ANYWHERE
Whether you are off on holiday or off to a cycling training camps or race, resistance bands can be transported with you so you can easily train from wherever you are.
6) THEY’RE DESIGNED FOR COMPOUND EXERCISES
Compound exercises are when you use several muscles at the same time. They make for an efficient workout as well as use more energy and improve your coordination.
Resistance band exercises are naturally more geared towards compound movements, so you can use them to get a full body workout.
7) YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER THE ANGLE
With resistance band you can adapt the angle so that it is comfortable to hold the band in your band and so your wrist feels comfy. If you have shoulder issues this is especially important so you can still train but at a comfortable angle.
8) THEY PROMOTE HEALTHIER FORM
How many times have you used momentum to perform an exercise in Pilates or otherwise? This is much harder to do when using resistance bands. Having to maintain tension on the bands throughout the workout means each rep needs to be high quality and your muscles need to be working hard the whole way – rather than just at the end of the rep.
If you are looking to build all over body strength a resistance band should be a staple piece of equipment in your routine.
9) LEARN WHAT YOUR BODY LIKES AND DOESN’T
Because you have so much control over how you are using the band – from set up, to positioning, angle and movement – you need to be really focused on the feel of each exercise so you can tell what you’re working.
And once you know you are working the right muscles; you can focus on squeezing them right until the very end to make sure you’re getting a full contraction. Using resistance bands in the right way can really help you improve the quality of your workouts.
If you would like to join my resistance band masterclass please click here.
