All About Resistance Band Exercise
The Rise of Resistance
Resistance bands have become extremely popular over the past few years - especially during lockdowns. They were easily accessible, versatile, and became a fun way to work out. Three years into a pandemic, resistance bands have been proven to be an effective workout tool that's easy to use and store at home, not to mention highly cost-effective. Now that lockdown is over, many of us who prefer to work out at home is still reaping the benefits of resistance training.
Resistance bands can provide many different benefits, whether you're a seasoned athlete, a beginner, or someone looking to recover from an injury. They serve all shapes, sizes and abilities. With Reslete we bring customizable, adjustable resistance, a first in the market. This blog will look at just how versatile resistance bands can be.
Who Can Use Resistance Bands?
Resistance bands are not limited to any one group of people. In essence, anyone! As you will find out below, a wide range of people can use resistance bands at any stage of their workout journey.
Athletes
Athletes can use resistance bands to improve their strength, power, and agility. Resistance bands can target specific muscle groups and help increase performance in specific sports or activities. For example, football players can use resistance bands for upper body exercises to increase arm strength. In contrast, gymnasts can use resistance bands for leg exercises to improve their jumps and landings. With athletic performance, Reslete can be especially powerful as it is a customizable tool that can be used to improve performance with its adjustable resistance features.
Beginners
Resistance bands can be a great option if you're new to working out or just getting back into it. Resistance bands offer a low-impact, gentle workout that can help you build strength and confidence in your movements. Reslete resistance bands also come with adjustable resistance, so you can start with lighter tension and gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger, without needing to buy new equipment or store new bands. Alternatively, the bands can be adjusted to lessen the resistance if you ever go off your fitness journey. Be sure to do some research on the different types of exercises that you can do to make sure that you don't injure yourself, which brings us to our next group.
Individuals with Injuries
Resistance bands can be used for physical therapy or post-surgery or injury (with the guidance of a healthcare professional) to help individuals recover and improve strength and stability. Resistance bands can be used for specific exercises to target the affected area or damage, and with Reslete, the resistance can be adjusted as the individual's strength improves. Resistance band workouts are also low-impact, making them a safe and effective option for individuals who cannot perform high-impact exercises. Equally, resistance bands can be used by Physiotherapists when helping injured patients.
Elderly
Older exercise enthusiasts can benefit from resistance band workouts as they provide a low-stress, light-impact activity that can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Resistance bands are also lightweight and portable, making them easy and safe to use at home or on the go. Additionally, resistance band workouts can help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility and quality of life for the elderly. Maintaining muscle tone is also shown to improve bone health, assist with good posture, and even improve blood flow.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can also benefit from resistance band workouts. Resistance band exercises can help improve strength and stability and reduce the risk of developing common pregnancy-related conditions such as back pain and diastasis recti. Additionally, resistance band workouts can be performed safely and controlled, making this a perfect tool for expecting moms who might be feeling the effects of a change in equilibrium since falling pregnant.
Post-Partum
Resistance bands can be a great tool for postpartum exercise, as they offer low-impact resistance training that can help you build strength and tone your muscles without putting too much stress on the abdominal muscles that might have split during pregnancy. Once cleared for physical fitness, incorporating resistance into your workouts can be a perfect way to rebuild this abdominal strength.
When Can Resistance Bands Be Used?
Not only can resistance bands be used by literally anyone, but they can also be used at any time. Here are some specific times when resistance bands can be used:
As a Warm-up
Resistance bands can be used to warm up your muscles before a workout. This can help prevent injury and improve performance. Warming up can increase blood flow and oxygen levels, loosening the muscles and joints to prepare for strength work.
Strength Training
Resistance bands can be used for strength training exercises to target various muscle groups, such as the arms, legs, back, and chest.
Physical Therapy
Resistance bands can be used for physical therapy to help recover from injuries or improve flexibility and range of motion.
Pilates and Yoga
Resistance bands can be used for Pilates and yoga to add resistance and increase the difficulty of certain exercises. Adding strength to certain muscle groups, particularly your core, can enhance your Yoga and Pilates workouts.
On-the-go workout
Resistance bands are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a great option for people who are always on the go and looking for an effective workout. Say, for example, you need to go on a business trip for a week. Resistance bands are the best option, and you will not need to pay gym fees while travelling.
Preserving Muscle Ahead of Big Physical Event
Resistance bands can also be used when training for a marathon or triathlon instead of heavy weights to preserve your muscles for the big event.
Fitness Show Prep
Just before going on stage a few quick reps with one of our bands at your choice of resistance level can make your muscles ready to appear in peak condition on stage.
How to Use Resistance Bands When Getting Back into Fitness:
Resistance bands are an excellent tool for getting back into fitness, as they provide an effective workout while being easy on the joints. Here are some tips on how to use resistance bands:
Start with light resistance
When starting, it's best to begin with a lighter band and gradually increase resistance as you get stronger.
Warm-up
Before using resistance bands, it's essential to warm up to prevent injury. A few minutes of light cardio, such as jumping jacks or jumping rope, is a great way to warm up.
Focus on form:
Maintaining proper form is crucial when using resistance bands. Make sure to keep your back straight, and chest up, and keep tension on the band throughout the entire movement.
Vary your movements
Resistance bands can be used for a wide range of exercises, including strength training exercises for the legs, arms, back, chest, and core. Try different activities to target different muscle groups and prevent boredom.
Increase resistance gradually
As you get stronger, you can increase the resistance of the band. This will help you continue to challenge your muscles and see progress.
Benefits of Resistance Bands
Easy to Store:
One of the best things about resistance bands is that they are small and lightweight, making them easy to store in a small space. Unlike traditional weightlifting equipment, resistance bands take up very little space and can be easily stored in a closet, under the bed, or even in a desk drawer. This makes them a great option for individuals who live in small apartments or have limited space to work out.
Easy to Transport
In addition to being easy to store, resistance bands are also easy to transport. Unlike traditional weightlifting equipment, which can be heavy and cumbersome, resistance bands can be easily packed in a gym bag and taken with you anywhere-on holiday or a business trip, you decide. This makes them a great option for individuals who are always on the go and want to stay active and healthy.
Easy to Use
Another reason why resistance bands are so convenient to use is that they are straightforward to use. Unlike traditional weightlifting equipment, which can be complicated and intimidating, resistance bands can be used for various exercises targeting different muscle groups. Additionally, resistance bands come in various levels of resistance, so you can start with a light band and gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger.
Affordable
Resistance bands are an affordable option that won't break the bank compared to traditional weightlifting equipment. A set of resistance bands can cost less than a single monthly gym membership and provide a wide range of health benefits without the need for expensive equipment or a gym membership.
Low-Impact Workouts
Resistance bands are also an excellent option for individuals who are looking for low-impact workouts. Unlike traditional weightlifting, which can strain joints and bones, resistance band workouts are gentle and can be performed without causing injury. This makes them a great option for individuals recovering from an injury, who have joint pain, or who are looking for a low-impact workout option.
Reslete Adjustable Resistance bands are versatile and portable fitness tools that can be used by a wide range of individuals to achieve their fitness goals. Whether you're an athlete, a beginner, a senior, an individual recovering from an injury, or a pregnant woman, resistance bands can provide numerous benefits and help you reach your fitness goals. It's always a good idea to consult a fitness professional before starting a new workout routine, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.
Here at Reslete, we know our product can have a major impact on your physical and mental well-being, click here to purchase your first band!