7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Use Resistance Bands During Workouts

A well-rounded workout routine is essential for boosting your health and wellbeing. Yet, strength training should be one of the main focuses of your fitness strategy. It offers a greater effect on reducing heart disease than standard cardio workouts. 

Exercise bands are an easy and effective way to get in a daily strength training regimen. They even offer benefits that free weights and weighted machines can't compete with. 

Read on for seven reasons why resistance bands should be part of your workout routine. 

1. They Offer a Powerful Strength Training Workout  

Wondering what do resistance bands do that makes them such a key piece of workout gear? They make it easy to get in a full-body workout using resistance training methods.   

Bands use tension to help you strengthen and tone muscles as well as your bones. Adding bands to you're routine will help enhance your workout. They work the muscles more, resulting in a greater calorie burn.

They can give you a better range of motion than using weighted machines. Bands can access and engage more muscle groups. You're working with constant tension that comes from all directions.   

Another great thing about bands is that you can't rely on momentum to get through those final reps. This makes you push yourself further than when using free weights.  

Use them during squats, lunges, clamshells, donkey kicks, and glute kickbacks. High plank and side plank leg lifts also become more effective with bands.

A simple lateral band walk will even leave your muscles sore the next day. Here are a few more resistance band exercises for strengthening your muscles. 

2. They Help Target Specific Muscles 

Those new to this style of training often wonder do resistance bands work? They are effective in targeting all muscle groups. Yet, they also work to target specific areas of the body.   

People use them to work the abs, back, legs, thighs, and glutes. They are also great for targeting and toning the biceps, triceps, chest, and shoulders. 

You can use bands for bicep curls, chest flys, and a chest press. A lat pull-down and bent-over rows are other popular moves. Work your abs with a kneeling crunch by using a door anchor.  

Bands can even target smaller, harder to reach muscles, like those in the hips. Hip bands are great for reaching and engaging these muscles. 

 

3. They Give You Control Over Workout Intensity

So, why use resistance bands over other strength training methods? Bands are ideal for all fitness levels and styles of athletes. They make it easy to customize your workouts based on the intensity you need. 

Resistance band sets offer different levels of resistance, from light to heavy. Thicker bands will also provide you with more resistance for your workout. 

Different band types allow you to set yourself up for an intense workout. You can also go with an easier workout during recovery days.  

How far you stretch the band will give you control over the amount of resistance you get. Using a narrower grip will also increase resistance.   

Bands can even help you through more difficult exercises, like pull-ups. Use them by supporting the band under your knee while pulling your body up.  

4. They Can Enhance Your Flexibility 

Exercise bands offer a way to boost your flexibility. They work well for stretching out during a warm-up or after a workout.

Using bands will result in a deeper stretch. They can help to target the inner thighs, hamstrings, and quads. 

Stretching also works to create better balance, posture, and coordination. It can relieve tension in the back and neck.  

Certain band stretches help to improve hip function. Try a glute bridge for stretching out the hips and back.  

5. They Offer a Low-Impact Alternative

One of the main benefits of resistance bands is that they are a low-impact workout. This means there is less risk of injury as they are safer to use.  

This is ideal for those recovering from a surgery or injury. Older adults and pregnant women find it easy and comfortable to use bands.   

People with arthritis and knee-injuries find bands a therapeutic workout method. They are even effective in reducing symptoms for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.   

Bands also give you the ability to get in a workout from a seated position. They can help you to practice better form during rehabilitation. This is due to the training of muscles at a greater range of motion.    

Bands don't rely on gravity, like dumbells and weight machines do. This means there is no pressure on the joints. They can also help to protect your knees during squats.  

6. They Are Easy to Travel With 

Resistance bands offer a more minimalistic approach to your workout routine. They are lightweight, compact, and portable. They don't take up any space in a suitcase or carry-on luggage. 

This is ideal when traveling on business or leisure. It's easy to take bands on vacation for sneaking in a quick workout in your hotel room. 

Another benefit of bands is that they are affordable workout gear. They are inexpensive enough that you can leave one set at home and one set in your car or office.  

7. They Help Switch up Your Workout Routine

Resistance bands are perfect for those looking to avoid a weight-loss plateau. They add something new to your routine to keep you from getting bored. This is important as boredom with routine is the main reason people stop working out. 

Bands are great for at-home workouts or taking to the gym. They make it easy and comfortable to get a workout in at any time or place. 

Adding the Right Resistance Bands to Your Routine 

Resistance bands offer effective strength training and improved flexibility. They give you control over the intensity of your workout and target specific muscles. Bands are also portable, affordable, and a great low-impact workout. 

This makes them ideal for all styles of athletes, from runners to pilates enthusiasts. When using bands, be sure to keep switching up your routine to avoid a plateau. Add in other workouts like yoga, pilates, and barre for best results.

Ready to add resistance bands to your full body workout routine? Shop the full collection of strength training gear here.