Exercise or fitness bands are short pieces of elastic that comes in varying degrees of resistance that are used to mimic weight training moves while eliminating the risk of dropping the weight or losing control of the weight.
Originally intended for use by older adults in nursing facilities, exercise bands or tubing are now regularly found in adult resistance training classes. This simple piece of training equipment has become increasingly popular over the years due to its versatility and convenience of use.
Exercise bands come in a variety of tensions, colors and lengths. Band can even be bought by the roll which allows you to cut your band to your perfect length. There is also a variety of band that comes in a loop which allows you to quickly step into the band and use it for resistance training of the legs without needing to tie the band in a knot.
Resistance bands are loved by fitness enthusiast, men and women alike, because they are inexpensive, easy to store, can go anywhere, can be used anywhere, can mimic over 100 weight room exercises, they provide constant tension throughout the moves, can be used for sports specific training, wonderfully supplements a weight training routine, can be used for flexibility training, are safer to use than exercise machines or free weights and can be used by anyone regardless of physical condition or age.
Exercise bands also have a fascinating hidden use; they are wonderful for agility drills. Placing your band on the floor and jump forward and back over the band moving horizontally down the band will get your heart rate up and improve your athletic movement skills. You can also run or jump side to side vertically over the band to add variety and spice to your agility training.
As with any form of fitness training, you need to properly prepare your body to work with resistance bands by warming up, you should always wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, use good form and control throughout your training session, properly hydrate yourself and stretch the muscles afterwards.
Fitness bands are wonderful for rehabilitation from injuries as they provide a safer means of working the injured area without the risk of lifting and controlling a heavy weight which can over stress the weakened area.
Maintenance of your band is crucial. You must periodically check your band for signs of wear and tear. If you find small tears or thin spots on your band you need to replace it. Tears and thin spots increase the risk of your band breaking while in use and snapping back at you possibly causing an injury.
Exercise bands are excellent pieces of equipment that you can easily carry in your bag and use while traveling, during a break at work, while out on a fitness walk in the privacy of your own home, at the gym or wherever you may be!
So grab your band and get fit!
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