Fitness bands are a great alternative to expensive exercise equipment. This compact sports equipment will help to get your body in shape, but in order to do this you need to know how to choose and use it correctly in order to benefit, and not harm your health. Unlike other exercise equipment, fitness rubber bands stand out for their affordable cost and high efficiency. When choosing such an elastic band, you should pay attention to some of the features, which are described below.
Choosing a fitness band: how not to make a mistake
Today there are several types of fitness bands – each has its own differences and can be used for different types of workouts. They also have many different names – exercise bands, booty bands, loop bands, hip bands, etc.
All types of fitness bands (latex/rubber, fabric, and tube) come in different resistance levels so you can perform a variety of exercises that can target all muscle groups. They are commonly used for resistance training to help build strength and even for physical therapy to help recover from injuries.
- Latex / rubber fitness bands – the most compact, comfortable and popular, they can work with all muscle groups, but they are most often used to add extra resistance to your lifting equipment for added load. They also work very well on the muscles of the legs, thighs and buttocks.
- Fabric fitness bands are notable for the fact that a high load begins from the first centimeters of stretching the band, so they can be called an excellent addition to a set of fitness elastic bands and home exercise machine No. 1 for working out thighs.
- Tube bands – they are unlikely to effectively work the muscles of the legs and buttocks, but they have a good effect on the arms and chest.
The most important things to think when you are choosing this exercises tool:
- Comfort – the best material.
- Match for your strength level – so you can continue progressing in your workouts.
Let’s discuss about pros and cons for all three types:
Latex, or rubber bands, are just as the name implies. They are a resistance band made out of latex or rubber. Latex bands typically come in a pack of 5 or more and come in various resistance levels that range from extra light to extra heavy. They also come in different lengths, short bands are used for lower body exercises and long bands are used for upper body exercises.
Pros
- Various resistance levels – Perfect for all fitness levels.
- Extremely versatile – Can be used for lower and upper body workouts.
- Cost – This really depends on the brand, but most latex bands range from $10-20.
- Clean them easily – You can rinse them off or wipe them down pretty easily.
Cons
- Uncomfortable – Latex tends to stick on the skin, so using these types of bands can cause discomfort if you’re wearing shorts.
- They roll up – These types of bands tend to roll up, which can be very annoying when you’re trying to focus on the exercise.
- They rip easily – Latex and rubber aren’t durable material, they can rip rather fast if you use them frequently for kickbacks or stretching motions.
Fabric resistance bands are simply resistance bands made with fabric instead of latex or rubber. They are normally sold separately and come in 3 resistance levels – light, medium, and heavy. Fabric bands are normally only used for glute activation and lower body workouts, but they also come in a longer variety which is perfect for upper body workouts.
Pros
- Various resistance levels – Perfect for all fitness levels.
- Comfortable fabric – Fabric bands usually have a non-slip grip so the band stays in place while you’re performing exercises.
- They’re strong – The material makes these types of bands less stretchy, so they add a great amount of resistance when performing leg exercises. These are perfect for avid weightlifters.
- Cost – They are a little bit more expensive than rubber bands, but not by much. Investing in high-quality fabric resistance bands won’t cost you an arm and a leg. One band usually ranges in price from $10-15, or you can get a bundle for upwards of $30.
Cons
- Not versatile – The strength and the lack of stretch make fabric bands not ideal for upper body workouts. They are mostly used for the lower body only, but there are long fabric resistance bands, they’re just not common.
- Longer cleaning process – Fabric resistance bands have to be washed in a washing machine and air-dried. So, it’s a bit of a longer process.
Tubular bands are a sports equipment for strengthening muscles, which consist of a wear-resistant rubber latex tube with two plastic handles. Exercising with this type of bands will not only add variety to your workouts but will also be an excellent alternative to exercises with dumbbells.
Pros
Suitable for Variety of Exercise: The resistant bands set assists you in different exercises, suitable for a variety of exercise to Calorie Burning, Muscle Building and Fat Shredding Workout Program to toning your arms, shoulders, chest, glutes, legs etc.
The expander is very light and compact. Such equipment does not take up much space in the apartment, unlike bulky exercise machines and free weights.
You can independently adjust the load of the expander: if you slightly reduce the length of the elastic by wrapping it around your arms, this creates more resistance and increases the load on the muscles.
Cost – This really depends on the brand, but most latex bands range from $ 20-40.
Cons
- The tubular expander can tear and stretch with frequent use.
- Awkward movement may cause the elastic to come off and hit or injure you.
Benefits of training with fitness band
Many people prefer to buy the bands for the following reasons:
- create an increased load and maximum exercise performance.
- work out almost any muscle group;
- wide selection of belts with varying degrees of load;
- use at any level of training.
When using them, you can achieve the following results:
- reduce weight;
- increase the elasticity of muscles and skin;
- increase muscle strength;
- remove the cellulite on problem areas of the skin;
- if necessary, rehabilitate muscles and joints after injuries;
- increase the endurance of the tendons.
The bands can be used at home and in gyms with the same effectiveness – to perform exercises on certain muscle groups, as well as to work out using complex exercises.
Even after the first session, it will become noticeable that new muscle groups are included in the work, and then an increase in endurance will become more evident. The bands are compact and easy to carry to any place.
Fitness bands, which are becoming a common feature of fitness groups, can be used for abdominal exercises, legs and buttocks, arms and back exercises. Without increasing muscle volume, the elastic helps to strengthen the body, get a graceful figure or return to a former shape, and correct posture. The fitness bands have unlimited possibilities and promote the rapid development of endurance, flexibility and mobility. With it, you can conduct regular full-fledged fitness classes. In addition, this “trainer” can be a great start and end to a strength training day. With its help, training diversifies, and basic exercises become more complicated.
Why Buy a Fitness Band?
The benefits are obvious. They are as follows:
- Versatility. The simplicity of the shape and the minimum size of the fitness elastic band allows you to use it in any convenient place. In addition, it helps to well load the muscles of the abdomen, back, gluteal zone, hips, chest, wrist.
- Affordable price. In comparison with other exercise equipment, it is not expensive, but at the same time it is capable of serving for a long period.
- Mobility. The elastic fits easily into your pocket and can be taken with you on vacation, business trip or the gym.
- Variety. Both professionals and beginners can use a whole range of exercises with different loads. This includes movements for losing weight and toning the body
- Ease of use. Such sports equipment does not limit athletes by age, gender, weight category and other metrics. With its use, training takes place without risk to health.
- Rehabilitation. The elastic is suitable for developing specific muscle groups after accidents and injuries.
Such equipment for outdoor enthusiasts has no drawbacks and should be present in the arsenal of both a beginner, an amateur and a professional athlete to adequately maintain the ideal body shape.
All three types of bands have pros and cons, so the decision should be based on what’s comfortable to you and what you’re going to be using them for! As of today, fabric resistance fitness bands are the most popular choice from the available options. Check out what kind of exercises you can do with them. Make your choice and start using them TODAY!
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