Beginner’s Guide to Using Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are extremely helpful and are a great substitute for weights. It is a type of elastic band which is often required for strength training. It is great and inexpensive equipment to work on your muscles. Strength training by using resistance bands is extremely helpful in building muscles and can provide you with the best results if utilized properly.

Resistance bands vary in widths, shape, colour and sizes. There are a lot of varieties of resistance bands available in the market. From tube bands with handles to large loop bands, there are a lot of types of resistance bands available out there. Always ask your instructor or analyse the type of workout you are doing or planning to do before buying the resistance bands. Make sure to choose the band with a thicker width as it provides more resistance.

What resistance bands do?

• Build strength
• Improve mobility
• Makes you flexible
• Improve the overall quality of the workout
• Increase coordination

While resistance bands can be helpful for arms, legs and strength training, it can also be utilised for warm-up cardio. Exercises like band jumping jacks, band lunges, band jumps and many more can be done to warm up the body while getting yourself ready for the more intense workouts.

Here are some exercises that a beginner can do with resistance bands

• Band jumping jacks: Jumping jacks are a great workout to warm up the body and it is extremely beneficial for losing weight, reducing stress and strengthening the muscles. Jumping jacks with resistance bands deepen your workout and provide you with significant results. Start by holding the band in both of your hand and place your hand over your head. Now, do jumping jack and pull the band down with the movement of the legs.
• Sidestepping: Sidestepping is a versatile workout to improve balance and flexibility while strengthening your muscles. If you are a beginner who has just started using resistance bands, then you can easily give a twist to this exercise. All you have to do is take a looped resistance band and place it around your ankles. Now, start with the side to side stepping, first slow and gradually increase your pace.
• Straight arm pull-down: Resistance band pull-down works on your armpits and back. It helps in working out on the muscles of your shoulders and back and assist in strengthening and toning the loose and bulky fat around the armpits and back. All you have to do is divide the resistance band into two halves by looping it over a bar. Now, take the ends of the band in both your hands and pull the band with much resistance as much as your body allows.
• Bicep curls: Resistance band bicep curls is an ideal way to work on your upper body. It helps in engaging your core while strengthening your arms, biceps and enhances your muscle size. This workout helps in enhancing energy and stamina. All you have to do is put the resistance band on the floor and put both your feet wide apart on the band. Now, take the end of the bands in the hand and start pushing it upwards. As a beginner, do as much as your body allows.

Footnote
Resistance bands are an ideal way to increase your stamina and energy while working on your muscles. You can incorporate it in your daily exercise regime to get better results.