I love a good dumbbell workout, but resistance bands may be my favorite piece of exercise equipment.
They are super affordable, transportable and versatile, and can help target larger muscles as well as smaller stabilizing muscles. Plus, research shows that engaging in elastic band resistance training improves balance, gait function and flexibility. Research also suggests that elastic band exercises induce greater neuromuscular fatigue than exercises with isometric contractions.Â
As someone who is always on the go, I love that bands are super easy to pack and whip out in a small space (like a hotel room) and they can literally be shoved in a drawer at home!
There are different varieties of resistance bands. I like to have two sets: a smaller, looped band and a longer band with handle attachments. The smaller resistance bands are perfect to use for working the glutes and legs as the range of motion is smaller than it would be for the arms. The arms require larger resistance bands to allow for a larger range of motion. Plus, the handles make it easier to grasp the resistance bands while performing pulling motions to work the upper body.
Here are 15 resistance band exercises that you can use to work your entire body!
These exercises are performed with a resistance band with handles.Â
Front Raise
Step on band with handles with your feet as wide as your shoulders. Hold onto the handles at your thighs. Then pull your abs in as you lift the arms up to shoulder height, working the front of the shoulders. Lower down. Repeat 10 times.
Wood chopper
Engaging the shoulder, abdominal and quad muscles, wood choppers are a great shoulder-strengthening exercise that also works the entire core. Start with one foot placed on the center of the resistance band. Grip one of the handles with both hands. In the starting position, place your hands holding the handles near your knee. With a slight bend in your knees, begin to pull the handle across your body diagonally with arms extended. Be…
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