Resistance Bands

[inkysphinx]

Does anyone here use resistance bands to tone? I have one, but I only know a few exercises to do with it. Does anyone have any suggestions on different exercises to try with the band ot a link? Thanks!

[BlackApple]

I use them alot in the physical therapy clinic in which I work. There are like a gazillion exercises you can do with those bands. What strenght do you have? There are many variations in strenght from the colored bands. I can give you some exercises to do.

[inkysphinx]

Mine is blue, and I don't know what strength it is. I know that whatever exercises with it hurt a lot!

[BlackApple]

I believe that one is heavy. Black is the next step and is extrah heavy

[inkysphinx]

Actually, when I went upstairs to look at it, it teal. Dunno if that counts as blue :/

[Nonie]

Inky, I used to use them and mine came with an instruction booklet so that's where I got exercises from (Couldn't tell you who I lent them to now http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif I think when I lost weight I thought I'd arrived. http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/nuts.gif ). But basically just think of exercises you would do with weights and try and improvise. For instance, for bicep curls, step on one end of band and wrap the other end around your wrist and then keeping your elbow close to your body and down, bend your arm at your elbow and bring your fist up to your shoulder level against the resistance of the band, then return to starting position s l o w l y. Another example: You can simulate a "bench press" by taking the band around your upper back and wrapping the ends around your wrists and then straightening your arms forward against the resistance of the band.

If you need a little more help, check out these books:

Rubber Band Workout (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0894800566/ref=pd_sbs_b_5/103-1412297-9932618?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

Therapeutic Exercises Using Resistive Bands (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0964115344/ref=pd_sbs_b_1/103-1412297-9932618?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

Resistance Band Workout (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1856487245/qid=1085979206/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl14/103-1412297-9932618?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

...and these websites:

http://www.ballyfitness.com/rapid_results/expert_advice/product_tip_sheet/Exercises/aerobicbandsexerc.asp

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blresistanceban.htm

http://www.sitandbefit.com/resistance_band.htm

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blbandworkout.htm

[BabyCurls]

<font color="purple">I have the purple ones that came with my step bench and workout video (when I moved, I left the bench in the garage. Should've used it for other things, huh? http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif). Anyway, I use them on and off. For bench press and upper rows, I wrap it around a post in my basement/bedroom and work on my upper body. I need to get my strength in that area, as well as to tone and sculpt. And for toning the inner thighs, step on one side of the band while wrapping your foot with the other. Just swing your leg in a diagonal line and it'll tone and firm the inner thighs. Do the same on the other thigh. Do 2 sets of 12 reps. </font>