10 Benefits of Resistance Bands Training for Strength, Fitness & Physio
In this post we run through 10 of the greatest benefits of resistance bands training and show you why using this awesome workout tool can help you with everything from strength and cardio fitness to physical therapy and injury prevention.
Let’s jump right in.
What are the benefits of resistance bands training?
Resistance bands are getting more and more popular as a multi-purpose training tool because they’re super beneficial for building strength and muscle mass, as well as stabilizing joints and supercharging your cardio workout.
Bands are a regular fixture in CrossFit and Les Mills classes as well as P90X, Pilates and functional sports workouts.
For people who are injured, recovering from surgery, or need to injury-proof any part of their body, usually the first thing a trainer will recommend is, you guessed it, a resistance band.
So what is it about bands that make them such an incredibly effective tool for strength training, fitness, and physical therapy? Read on to find out about the 10 main advantages of training with resistance bands.
10 awesome benefits of resistance bands
1. Versatility
Resistance bands come in different sizes, lengths, and resistance levels, making them suitable for a very wide range of exercises. They can be used to work every muscle in the body, from various angles, including the arms, shoulders, back, chest, abs, glutes and legs. Resistance bands can be used for strength training and bodybuilding, as well as flexibility exercises and balance training. They can also be used in different settings, such as at home, in the gym, or during travel. This versatility makes them a great option for people who want to work out anywhere, anytime, and without expensive equipment.
2. Portability
Bands are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. You can chuck them into your gym bag, suitcase, or backpack and take them anywhere you want, making them a great option for people who travel frequently or who don’t have access to a gym. They can also be used outdoors, allowing you to enjoy a workout in nature.
3. Cost-effective
Resistance bands are an affordable alternative to traditional strength training equipment, such as dumbbells, barbells, and weight machines. They’re also durable and long-lasting, which means you can save money on gym memberships or expensive equipment. They come in different price ranges, making them accessible to people with different budgets.
4. Increased muscle activation
Elastic bands provide variable resistance, which means that the resistance changes depending on the position of the band. This type of resistance stimulates more muscle fibers than traditional weights, resulting in increased muscle activation and hypertrophy (muscle growth). They also provide continuous tension throughout the exercise, which helps to improve muscle endurance.
5. Injury prevention
Another benefit of resistance bands is that they provide a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints. Unlike using heavy weights, which can easily cause injury. They also allow for a full range of motion, which can help to improve flexibility and further reduce the risk of injury. Bands are also a great option for people with injuries or chronic pain, as they can be used to target specific muscle groups without putting stress on the affected area.
6. Rehabilitation
Resistance bands are commonly used in physical therapy to help patients recover from injuries or surgery. They can be used to target specific muscle groups from various angles of resistance. They will also improve range of motion and increase muscle strength to protect your joints. Bands can also be used to help patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, to maintain mobility and function.
7. Improved flexibility and balance
Resistance bands can be used to improve flexibility and balance by targeting specific muscle groups. They can be used to stretch tight muscles, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. They can also be used to improve balance by challenging the stabilizing muscles around your core, hips, and ankles.
8. Variety
You can use workout bands for a variety of different exercises that can be customized to your fitness level and goals. They can target specific muscle groups with isolation exercises or perform compound movements to work on large muscle groups together. You can easily create a full-body workout using only bands. They can also be used in combination with other equipment, such as stability balls, foam rollers, and medicine balls, to create a diverse and challenging workout.
9. Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of resistance bands is that they’re super convenient to use and require minimal space. You can use them at home, in the office, or while traveling, making them a great option for people who have busy schedules. They also allow for quick and efficient workouts, which can be helpful for people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to working out.
10. Fun
Resistance bands can add a fun and playful element to your workout routine. They come in different colors, strength levels and designs – including long strips, mini loops and large, heavy duty loops. You can use them to add resistance to any movement, meaning that the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
