Most people who work out are aware that strength training is an important component, but many do not realize how important. Resistance training has been implicated in positive effects on bone health, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and lipids.
To get the most out of your resistance training it is important to get the most out of your time spent exercising which can be tricky if you do not have access to machines.
Resistance bands are a simple way to continue your progress when equipment is not available or you are traveling for work or vacation.
The most commonly used form of resistance training is weight lifting. The equipment needed for effective weightlifting can be costly and may not be readily available to all people.
One way around this barrier is using bands as an alternative. Resistance bands are also portable so they can easily travel with you when you are on the go.
Pros Of Resistance Band Workouts
Flexible Resistance
One of the most popular features of resistance bands is their ability to provide variable degrees of resistance.
Resistance bands work by stretching out and contracting, which allows you to change the length of each band in order to increase or decrease the difficulty or degree of resistance for your workouts. You can even make them tighter or looser depending on the position of your body.
This is an excellent feature if you are torn between buying several different weights for performing various exercises, particularly because it reduces the amount of clutter and storage space required to provide a home gym setup.
And since they can be purchased in bulk for relatively low prices, resistance bands also make it easy to adjust the difficulty levels of certain exercises to match your fitness level.
Variable Resistance Bands
Another benefit associated with resistance bands is that they are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of different exercises, which allows you to maximize the use of each band.
Most bands come in several different resistances (e.g., light, medium, or heavy) so you can either use one band for a variety of exercises, or you can have multiple resistance bands to target specific muscle groups with greater ease. This is especially useful when targeting simultaneous muscle groups because it allows you to adjust the resistance levels as necessary without needing too many different sets of equipment.
For example, using a resistance band with handles will provide more resistance than if you were use one without handles.
Long-Lasting
Resistance bands are also known for their durability and longevity, which means they won't break easily like most free weights or rubber tubing. This is especially true with ultra-light resistance bands that will not damage walls when accidentally bumped into surfaces, unlike heavier dumbbells or weight stacks.
Save Money
Resistance bands are also affordable, which makes them a popular choice for many people who want to build muscle at home.
For the average person looking to maintain his or her current weight, you can buy resistance bands in bulk for as little as $60 per set. If budget is not an issue, you could even purchase multiple sets to provide more resistance.
For example, you could use an ultra-light band for exercises that use your arms and a heavy band for exercises that target leg muscles.
Compact Storage
Resistance bands offer compact storage because they can easily be rolled up, unlike weight machines or even dumbbells. You can also store them in drawers, which are much more space-efficient than trying to find room for bulky weight machines in your home. Plus, there are even strap holders that can be attached to walls or doors if you need additional space.
Cons Of Resistance Band Workouts
No Balance Challenge
Since the bands don't require gravity, they do not present a good balance challenge when exercising. This means that you will not have to rely much on your core when performing various exercises, which can become problematic in the long term.
Lack Of Intensity
Resistance bands are capable of providing varying degrees of resistance, but they do not provide much intensity when stretched out completely. This becomes especially apparent when using bands that have handles attached, which provides a certain degree of safety when using them.
In order to increase the resistance levels, you may need to add more bands in order to place greater tension on your muscles. This can become tedious and is not ideal for people who want something fast and effective. However, if your goal is simply toning up without bulking up, then resistance bands may be the best choice for you.
Resistance Bands FAQs.
Are Resistance Bands Effective For Strength Training?
Resistance bands are a popular tool for strength training. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises. Resistance bands are also cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for those who want to start strength training.
Resistance bands can be used to perform a wide range of exercises, from bicep curls to pull-ups. Resistance bands can also be used as a substitute for dumbbells in some cases, but they are not as versatile as dumbbells in terms of exercises that can be performed with them.
Resistance bands provide the same benefits as dumbbells, but they're less expensive and easier to store than dumbbells. Resistance bands are also great for those who don't have enough space or access to weights at home or work.
Are Resistance Bands Effective for Therapeutic Use
Resistance bands are an effective tool for therapeutic use because they allow users to target specific muscle groups and provide a low-impact workout.
Resistance bands can be used in a variety of ways to target specific muscle groups. They can be used in a circuit training method, where you work the same muscle group with different exercises.
When resistance bands are used correctly, they provide a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Conclusion
If your goal is simply to tone or build some muscle at home that will last long term without bulking up too much, then resistance bands are an effective alternative. However, if you want something more intense that will help you become stronger and bulkier in a shorter amount of time, then resistance bands may not offer enough challenge for you.
