Not that kind of band. While I would much prefer to have been jamming out on my guitar, I was instead working out with giant rubber bands. (Yes, they are in fact meant to give you a work out, and No, gyms don’t like when you play with them to see how far they will stretch before they snap. Words from the wise, people).
There are a multitude of exercises one can do with resistance bands that are great for the core as well as for a total body workout. Great workouts can be found everywhere online, from Pinterest to any fitness magazine website (try Fitness.com or Womenshealth.com). However, not all exercises are equally effective. Here are some tips on the best ones to pick, the ones to nix, and how to really maximize your efforts:
1) Just holding a resistance band in front of you while you do lunges is not going to tone those arms. Take advantage of their stretching ability and engage your muscles to really reap the benefits.
2) Try to use a slightly more resistant band for leg exercises than for arms. Your leg muscles are generally a good bit stronger and you will feel results with fewer reps.
3) if you only have one gauge of resistance band, try shortening the band (ie. tie it tighter around your ankles or give it less slack) as you get stronger. This will force you to work harder to stretch the band the same distance as before.
4) They are called “resistance bands” for a reason; resist the urge to simply play with them. They are entertaining, I know, but consider it a mental discipline workout too!
5) sometimes it takes a few sets to really feel your target area working. if you don’t “feel it” after performing a couple SETS, then your efforts may be wasted and move on. But this does not mean you should give up if you don’t feel it after a couple REPS. There is a big difference.
Check these things of your list next time you go for a resistance band workout. Next time your man or guy friend playfully asks you to “flex those guns of yours,” you will flaunt and embrace your arms, not be embarrassed!
