We recently bought these Resistance Exercise Bands with five levels of resistance. We do have a few exercise items such as a Pilates reformer, Body blade and Rebounder and we love them all. However we wanted something quick, affordable, very light and portable to take away with us so we can still do some beneficial exercise.
Exercise bands look so simple, like oversized elastic bands. They are in fact thick stretchy bands of different colours which correlate to the different strengths. They work using your own bodyweight to stretch the bands in a controlled way to provide muscle resistance.
These bands are available in different levels of resistance depending on which brand you buy, ours come in five levels , others may have three. They usually start at a light level and move up through medium bands to strong or heavy.
If you are new to any exercise or starting again after a period of rest or illness or you just want something quick to do these are very simple to use and versatile. The main driver for me is that I have suffered an ankle injury and so many of the exercises I am used to doing are a bit problematic for me right now. So in order to keep my body active while I heal, we decided on these exercise bands.
I would suggest that you consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any conditions, allergies to materials (such as latex), illness or injury before you start and use the easiest, most gentle band first.
Requirements For Using Resistance Bands.
The only room you need to store these resistance bands is to keep a few lightweight bands in a small bag.
The only room you need to use them is the size of your own body plus room to stretch out a little. Stretchy exercise bands make exercise when there is little room easy.
You can use in any room in the house or even in the garden or on holiday! They’re perfect for exercise at home and they are amongst some of the most inexpensive exercise equipment available.
You don't need any special clothing, just something you can move in. You can use them sitting, standing or lying down depending on the exercise and your ability.
No travel required! You do not need to travel to a gym and can use them just when you have a few minutes or to incorporate into a whole exercise routine.
For fitness we can use them on their own or alongside other exercise like pilates, yoga, weights, and cardio exercise.
Resistance Levels
The resistance on these bands increases as you stretch the band so the muscle works though the entire stretch and importantly at your pace.
They are usually graded from light to heavy or strong and we should start with light and move up as we feel it is suitable.
We can use these bands to strengthen arms, legs, back and shoulders and the core also gets a workout which is good for the whole body.
Use the resistance that suits you, whatever stage of fitness or recovery you are at currently. Start on the lightest band if you are unsure or new to exercise or injured.
Resistance Bands Are Gentle On Joints
The resistance bands resistance is due to the stretch on the band itself, there is no reliance on gravity like weights. So we can make the movements smoother and gentle and to our tolerance which is kinder to our joints.
Although there are exercises you can do lying down in the floor, if that is difficult then we can just do the seated or standing exercises. It is still good effective exercise and very valuable.
This makes them helpful for anyone recovering from injury with Dr or physio permission, people unused to exercise, older adults and anyone who may have stiffness.
Exercise Bands May Help Improve Balance And Stability
This becomes increasingly important as we age. Many band exercises involve slow, controlled movements. This helps strengthen the smaller stabilising muscles that keep us balanced and steady.
With consistent use this can help to improve our balance which is the key to avoiding falls and posture which is crucial for stability and overall body health.
They help with coordination and general confidence and the feel good factor.
As my ankle has been hurting I first started with the arm exercises simply holding the band between my hands and above my head and moving them gently apart and together. I tend to do 3 sets of 10 -15 reps. I thought this was easy and that I wouldn't feel the benefit, but I did!
A later one I tried was slipping the band under both feet sitting down and with one hand gently stretching the band towards me up to knee level or higher. It was a surprisingly really good strengthening exercise for my arms.
So while I am currently concentrating on my upper body while my ankle heals and doing the specialised physio exercises for that, my husband is concentrating on exercises to improve balance. An example is the one where you put the band around your ankles and gently move one foot to the other side while keeping the other foot stationary.
Resistance Bands Suit Every Fitness Level
If you are a complete beginner to exercise the bands are easy to use and you can begin with very gentle stretches on the lowest band strength.
If you are used to exercise these bands can be used for strength training with the heavier band stretches. You can also use them to improve control and flexibility.
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Resistance Bands Make Exercise Feel Accessible And Achievable
Many of us have great ideas and good intentions for exercising but sometimes it seems intimidating, especially if we are unfit or injured, time poor or new to exercise.
If we need to travel or make arrangements for child or carer care it can start to feel like a chore.
These bands have allowed me to continue doing some exercise without stressing my ankle or travelling out in the freezing cold weather, which is a huge emotional and physical benefit to me.
There are exercises you can do sitting or standing or lying down and different levels of resistance, so whatever our tolerance for activity there are exercises most of us can do with these bands.
Complicated set ups or having to travel to exercise can be a barrier to many of us. However these bands are easy with no complex instructions and we can pick them up for a few minutes at a time so great for people who are time poor. Even five to ten minutes with these bands makes you feel like you have done something good for your body and that is encouraging and motivating.
I often pick them up to do a few exercises just when i have a few minutes or even while watching TV or listening to music. I don't need to change clothes if I don't want to in order to do many of the exercises. I don't need 30 or 60 minutes to exercise, just 5 mins here and there if that is all I have available.
These exercise bands are so small and easy to carry they are perfect for taking away on holiday, business trips or visiting family and friends so we can keep up with some exercise even if away from home.
Financially these resistance exercise bands are amongst the most affordable pieces of exercise equipment.
I find I need that now, to do a little exercise every day. You could even just take one single band with you and that would be enough to give you a good exercise routine for a while.
Here are a selection to choose from.
Exercise bands Fit SimplifyCheck PriceProfessional resistance bandsCheck PriceTribe resistance bandsCheck Price
Exercise and caring for our body ought to be easy and accessible. These Exercise bands show that improving our fitness doesn’t have to mean complicated routines or machinery or huge financial commitment.
I love our other exercise machines and would not be without them for all manner of reasons, but they were more expensive and some needed more set up time and room to store and use.
If you are looking to improve your balance and strength in a easy way with something that takes up little room and is quiet and effective, these resistance bands may be what you need.
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Interesting that your review subject today is exercise bands because I am currently undergoing physical therapy to build up strength after an illness and recently asked about incorporating the exercise band I own in my PT. My therapist has shown me a couple exercises I can add into my routine using the light band I have. So your subject today is very interesting to me, Raintree Annie. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the lack of storage space required for the exercise bands and the ease of using them anywhere, almost anytime. I am certain I would benefit from routinely using the exercise bands IF I could just get in the habit of picking them up and using them.
ReplyDeleteI have used these bands at the recommendation of a physiotherapist and they are very convenient and adaptable to a wide range of exercises. I’m so glad they are helping you maintain an exercise routine despite your ankle injury.
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