Do resistance bands work?

[museumgal]

In an effort to be frugal and get in shape at the same time, I've been looking into some home gym equipment instead of getting a membership.

I want to add some weight training, but we don't have the space for a big set of bars and weights. I have a few light freeweights and was planning on maybe getting a few more ('ve only got up to 3 lbs, maybe a set of 5? I can get those cheap) and maybe some resistance bands.

But do resistance bands actually work on building muscle? I don't want to waste the money if they're not actually going to do what they advertise.

[chiver78]

resistance bands do work, if you are using them correctly. I have been doing a boot camp program the past couple summers, and we would use the bands for things like bicep curls/chest press (wrapped around a fence post), tricep extensions (counter-weighted against a partner) and running resistance (wrap the bands around your waist and drag a partner behind you). it's all about making do with what you have.

good luck

ooh - ETA: if you're interested in cardio videos, I just picked up a couple Jillian Michaels ones. I know, she's annoying to a lot of people, but her ideas follow my boot camp's - constant motion, muscle confusion. good stuff. the 30-day shred uses light weights like what you said you have (and I need to get). in the meantime, I've been doing the "Banish FAT, Boost Metabolism" one. Amazon had 'em for $8 each.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

You might get more responses in the Healthy Living forum ... would you like this thread moved?

[museumgal]

Mar 31, 2011 19:03:15 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

You might get more responses in the Healthy Living forum ... would you like this thread moved?

Oh...yes I guess I would get more responses there. This was just part of my "get fit for less" plan so I thought I'd put it here, but if you can move it to the Healthy Living Forum that would probably be a better place to get the information I was looking for. Thank you!

[pig]

Do they work? Yes.
Are they optimal? No.

I've used them but only when connected to a barbell. They are different from weights in that the farther the band stretches the more resistance you get which is about opposite of free weights/machines. Nothing will beat a gym but if you can motivate yourself to keep with it they will work as good as anything else like bodyweight exercises etc.

[Genuine GA Peach]

M'gal - I would recommend them. They are great for a home workout and also if you travel. I have a set from when I traveled regularly for work, and I do still use them at home on occasion. You can also use them to add resistance to squats and lunges. We have used them in the cycle circuit class I take (spinning w/free weights & floor work mixed in).

You should get at least a few exercise suggestions included when you buy them. I've seen them at TJ Maxx, Target, Walmart. The ones I bought are Everlast. They came with a good assortment of exercises.

also, I would suggest you go for the surgical tubing type, not the band type. IMO, the tubing type offer more resistance and are more durable.

this is similar to what I have (I bought them at Target many many years ago & the price was much better. I'm guessing you can find a better price for a similar item, or check Play It Again Sports if you have one near you). www.net2fitness.com/piretuset.html

[museumgal]

Thank you for all the advice... I will look into pricing the surgical tubing kind. When we have a bigger place I will definitely look into a more complete weight set, but I think this will work for me for now, especially as I'm just starting out.