4 Reasons Why You Should Use Resistance Bands/tubes

There are a few versions of these handy exercise items, but what do they have in common? They are great for your strength training workout, and here are four reasons why.

Toning

While hand weights are a great way to build and tone muscles, they are limited in their uses. You can use them to tone the main muscles in your arms, legs, and even stomach, but resistance tubes can help tone the stabilizing muscles as well. You can use them to tone biceps and triceps by stepping on part of the tube and holding the other end in your hand. By raising your arms to a curling position slowly and back, you will be able to hit all the essential muscles in your arm. Although resistance tubes (they have handles on them) are used primarily for upper body, resistance bands (usually a ribbon like piece of rubber) can be used on your legs effectively as well. Just one workout with these bands/tubes you'll be able to feel them working. With consistent use (2-3 times a week) you'll see results in your muscle definition. Pretty easy, huh?

Versatile

Resistance tubes and bands are very versatile. They don't take up much room, they can be used anywhere (great for travel), and are lightweight. When you can't take your hand weights, these handy bands/tubes can keep you fit while you travel or on vacation. You can use them in combination with an exercise ball, or alone. Most resistance tubes come with an extra strap that can be hooked up inside a doorframe to give you more exercise options, including chest flies and lunges. There isn't much you can't do with them.

Inexpensive

Barring the $100 sets, you can get a simple set for around $20-25. Be sure you know the difference between bands and tubes. Tubes are an actual tube of rubber that usually has a handle on each end, while a band is just a ribbon of elastic with different colors representing different tensions. All sets should include a sheet of example exercises and/or an instructional DVD.

Easy