Visit any gym and you’ll find them stacked with strength equipment, free weights, cardio machines and many other fitness contraptions.

These are all great, but you rarely see resistance bands in use (I see more now that 5 years ago, but still it’s more the exception than the rule)!

Below I’ll discuss why resistance bands should be part of your workout accessories:

1. THEY ARE GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY:

There’s no disputing that resistance bands are extremely cost effective, and can be purchased for as little as £10 a set!

Whether you’ve decided against the expensive gym membership, or just want an extra option when you don’t make the gym, resistance bands give you far more ‘bang for your buck’ than dumbbells and other more expensive weight-based equipment.

2. THEY PROVIDE CONSTANT TENSION:

Tension is essential to effectively build lean muscle. Without tension, you simply won’t get the results!

Many people who gym train only focus on how to move weight around, but don’t know how to apply correct tensioning when moving weights.

Resistance bands activate full tension during the entire movement for an effective workout that will get you rapid results.

3. THEY ARE GREAT FOR PEOPLE ON THE MOVE:

Have you ever tried placing a set of dumbbells or kettlebells in your holiday luggage? No, me neither – it just isn’t practical!!

However, a set of resistance bands is a totally different matter!

They are extremely light, take up little space and will cause no damage when the luggage handler throws your case like a shot putter in the Olympics!

Your excuse for not training on that business trip or holiday has now been officially removed!!!

4. YOU CAN GET A GREAT FULL BODY WORKOUT:

The variety of exercises that can be done using resistance bands means every muscle group can be effectively worked.

Upper body, lower body, core workouts – all can be done with a little imagination and guidance.

5. THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOUR JOINTS:

If you lift heavy over a long period of time it can have a negative effect on your joints.

Whilst muscles are designed to lift weights and grow…..joints are not.

Adding resistance band training to your workouts reduces the impact on your joints. This will reduce the risk of joint problems in later life.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

As the title states, I would certainly recommend that all people looking to improve their health and fitness should own a set of resistance bands, whether you are a gym member or not.

For an investment of <£25 you give yourself the flexibility of full body workouts that can be completed any time, any place, any day!!!

If used correctly, the resistance band exercises can provide much of the benefits traditional weight training brings in regards to effective fat burning and muscle growth.

They can also be effective when used in warm up / cool down stretches or added to weight based exercises to add a more constant tensioning. From a safety perspective they also tick all the boxes (just don’t let go when fully stretched!)

If you want a progressive workout programme based purely on resistance bands, or a combination of bodyweight and/or gym training be sure to let me know.

Ian David Worthington
Creator, Owner and Coach at GymWolfPT.com