Why resistance bands are an easier way to strengthen muscles

Resistance bands are a great way to build strength and flexibility without the use of high intensity or heavy weights. They work for all age groups, says holistic health expert Dr Mickey Mehta

resistance bands Resistance bands are a great way to build strength and flexibility without the use of high intensity or heavy weights. (Source: Freepik)

Fitness plays an important role for total transformation. Often people keep looking for new tools to make their fitness experience more interesting. Resistance bands have created their place in the fitness world as a precious tool that brings convenience, versatility and effectiveness to workout routines. Whether you are a fitness novice or a seasoned athlete, incorporating resistance bands can elevate your training experience and yield emotional results too.

Resistance bands are a great way to build strength and flexibility without the use of high intensity or heavy weights. Available in different sizes and colours that can identify the different ways the pressure can be applied on a specific muscle group, they are made of latex or rubber, which provide resistance in both directions—stretching and contracting. This dual-action resistance engages muscles throughout the entire movement. One can also get very creative with resistance bands and you can have them placed in different angles and work out efficiently and effectively.

Resistance bands are suitable for individuals of all age groups. They are great for senior citizens in reducing the risk of age-related muscle loss and bone density issues, maintaining muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance and reducing the risk of age-related muscle loss and bone density issues. They are good for adults who want to maintain or improve their overall fitness, need variety and prefer low-impact exercises, which are easy on the joints. Teenagers can strengthen their bodies in useful ways, correct bad posture, and improve their sports ability. In order to prevent damage, proper form and direction are crucial.

WHAT ARE EASY ROUTINES?

There are quite a few routines, especially some cardiovascular routines that have been suggested by the British Heart Foundation.

Lateral raises involve standing up, placing both feet on the middle of the resistance band and holding each end of the resistance band with your hands and raising them as high as you can. Then return to the starting position and repeat, going up gradually.

Squatting is easy too. Place both feet on the middle of the resistance band and hold each end of it with your hands. Then assume a squatting position, and go up and down.

Leg extensions will build your quads. Anchor a loop band in a low position on a support (like an incline bench), looping the other end around your ankle with the band positioned behind you. While seated, step away from the anchor to create tension on the band, and position your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight to your left foot and lift your right leg from the floor. Extend your knee until it straightens out in front of you. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat for 12 – 15 reps before switching legs.

Glute bridge targets the posterior chain of the lower body. Tie a band around your legs right above your knees. Lie face up with your feet on the floor, bending your knees to 90 degrees. Raise your hips by contracting your glutes and applying gentle pressure outward against the band until your shoulders, hips, and knees align. Repeat 15-20 reps.

Triceps kickback targets the rear, upper part of the arm and the triceps. Place your feet together and bend forward so that you are standing above the middle of the band. Place your arms by your sides with your palms facing backwards while holding either end of the band. When your forearms are parallel to the floor, bend your elbows while keeping them by your side. Push the band behind your body by pressing down on your arms until they are fully extended. Back off a bit. Repeat for 8 to 10 reps.

The chest press can be done either sitting or standing. Just put the band behind your back and hold each end. Then stretch both arms out in front of your chest and push it out as far as possible. Return to your starting position and repeat.

The leg press is a chair exercise. Place one foot in the middle of the resistance band and hold both ends of it with your hands. Bend your knee towards you, then straighten it back out in front of you before returning to your starting position. It is like a swinging motion that can be repeated with each leg.

The bicep curl can be done sitting or standing. Place both your feet on the middle of the resistance band and hold each end of it with your hands. Push your arms out in front of you at chest height, then come back to your starting position.

Calf press: Sit on a chair with your back straight. Place one foot in the middle of the resistance band and hold both ends of it with your hands. Stretch leg, point your toes first towards the ceiling, then towards the ground. Repeat with each leg.

Tricep Press: Place one end of the resistance band under the heel of one of your feet while standing. Hold the other end of the band with both your hands, then stretch it so that it runs behind your body and pull it above your head. Return to your starting position and repeat ten times on each side.

WHAT ARE BENEFITS?

1) Versatility: Resistance bands can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness and exercise objectives. They are perfect for increasing flexibility, strength and muscular definition. Resistance bands are simple to customize to your needs, or seeking a challenge.

2) Exercise Variety: Resistance bands can be used to mimic almost any exercise done with conventional weights, including squats, lunges, bicep curls, and shoulder presses. They also permit innovative and inventive movements that can put fresh demands on your muscles.

3) Resistance bands are portable compared to large gym equipment because they are small and light. This portability enables you to train consistently even while travelling by allowing you to take your workout gear with you everywhere you go.