By Shelby Stoner, PHASE IV Exercise Physiologist
Bored of doing the same workout over and over again?
If you’re looking to switch things up in your exercise routine, incorporate resistance training, and get in an effective workout without spending hours at the gym, look no further. Resistance band training is becoming widely accepted as a great way to build strength without the hassle of dumbbells, squat racks, medicine balls, you name it. This modality provides the benefits of strength training in a safe and effective manner. Here’s why you should consider incorporating resistance bands training into your workouts:
Adaptable for Multiple Fitness Levels
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, resistance bands provide benefits for all fitness levels. They come in a variety of resistances, including light, medium and heavy, and you can further adjust the intensity of your resistance band workouts by giving the band more or less slack. You can even use multiple bands at once to increase the challenge.
In addition, Resistance bands are suitable for all levels. Just by changing your body position slightly, the load can be increased or decreased which makes this type of training adaptable across all populations. No bulky weights needed!
Full-Body Exercises
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym! Resistance bands can be used for a comprehensive, full-body workout that challenges virtually every major muscle group in the body. These systems force the body to maintain stability throughout each movement, engaging multiple muscles simultaneously so your entire body gets a workout in a short amount of time. The functional movement patterns involved in resistance band training keeps your core activated throughout each exercise to provide a comprehensive workout.
Travel Friendly
The resistance bands are easily transportable so you can stay fit wherever life takes you. No more missing out on your weekly workouts just because you’re away from home! Resistance bands are small, lightweight, and compact enough to fit almost anywhere. You can throw them in your suitcase or carry-on when traveling and use them to get a good workout right in your hotel room.
Versatile
About every 8 weeks, your body adapts to the movements you do often, which is why you may see some results when starting a new program, but eventually hit the dreaded plateau wondering why the scale isn’t budging. Adding variety to your workouts is key for continually challenging the muscles. For a harder workout, use thicker resistance bands or add more bands to increase the intensity and promote further progress and adaptation. Additionally, resistance bands can be alternated with free weights and exercise machines for ongoing variety.
Disclaimer: Learning how to perform each exercise from a certified professional is the best way to ensure you are exercising efficiently in a safe manner to prevent injury.
Safe and Effective
This training modality is incredibly simple, but effective at targeting each major muscle group. Resistance band training is low-impact and easy on the joints which reduces the risk of injury. In addition, it can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and postural stability while protecting joints and keeping them pain free.
Train all Components of Health and Fitness
Resistance band training is a training tool that is able to train all aspects of fitness and performance including…Flexibility, strength, power, core, mobility, balance, coordination, etc.
…And still achieve optimal results. They are small training tools that can make a large impact on looking, feeling, and moving better.
Start the New Year off with an authentic, science based approach to your health and fitness goals!
We are expanding our exercise classes here at PHASE IV to include noon time resistance band strength and flexibility programs. Please contact us for details. Classes begin this month (310) 582-8212. Limited space available!
