Benefits of Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a piece of latex band exercise equipment that are widely used for rehabilitation, strengthening and conditioning and improving balance and coordination. There are many benefits to using a resistance band just read on to find out a few.

The bands are available in more than one resistance

Resistance bands are available in multiple strength levels with different coloured bands having a different resistance. This means that as you progress in your exercises and need more of a challenge you can progress in to a new band of a different colour. If you have a resistance bands or are looking to buy one and would like to know which colour best suits you have a look below, the colours are listed below from softest to hardest resistance.

• Yellow
• Red
• Green
• Blue
• Black
• Silver

The same band can be used for multiple different exercises

With one resistance band you are able to complete a whole body workout. If you require a slightly different resistance for different exercises all you need to do is use the resistance band at a shorter length and the resistance will increase. For example to perform a bicep curl you can simply stand on the middle of the band and hold the ends and complete the bicep curl as you would with dumbbells. To increase the resistance slightly, simply hold further down the band making it shorter so the resistance is increased.

You don’t need to learn all new exercises and movements

Resistance band exercises can usually be done very similarly to the exercises you already know! Take for  example the bicep above or if you were going to perform a row exercise you can simply put the band around a pole or similar and perform the row exercise in a similar position to normal.

The resistance occurs in all directions

Unlike when using dumbbells where your resistance occurs against gravity, you are able to perform exercises in many different directions which means that your exercises may be more specific to your goals and muscles.

They increase coordination

Because there’s tension throughout the exercises, you have to stabilise your body. This helps with coordination, balance and it can also help you to involve more muscle groups.

They are easy to store and easy to travel with

In most homes there is not room enough to have a gym setup with weights and bikes, etc. however resistance bands are great as they take up very little space and can easily be rolled up and stored. They are also extremely light weight which means that if you are going travelling and would like to continue to perform strengthening exercises you can easily take it with you and as they are so versatile you can perform many similar exercises to your regular gym program!