Bands vs weights?

[Bunbun]

Can anyone explain the differences between the two? I did High Step Challenge this am, and don't feel as hard and pumped up in the muscles that were worked with bands as I usually do when I work those muscles with weights. Instead, I have this jelly-muscle feeling. Is that because HSC is an endurance workout--or do the bands have anything to do with it? I also found it harder to feel that I was targeting the right muscles with the bands--maybe just a matter of practice? Thanks!

 

[maddie]

i think it may be just practice. but the difference i notice is the whole resistance training thing. you have to hold the bands steady the whole way through, up and down. the resistance stays the same. whereas weights have an easier/tougher part. like for me, the initial lift of a free weight is easier than that last little bit... but with bands, the whole thing stays the same.
maddie

 

[smoogy]

I have no clue either, but maybe if you're nice, you can talk to my rear delts, that have just worked out to HSC, with the freakin' band, and ask what they think about it.

That is, if they can stop quivering long enough to get the words out.

Marla

 

[Bunbun]

Actually, my rear delts and most of my upper body is talking to me this morning--oof! I'm sore in muscles I didn't know existed.

Edited to add: Thanks for the explanation, Cathy. Might explain why I'm so sore!

 

[CathydsRNA]

Hi, The resistance does not stay the same through the whole movement with bands. It increases near the top of the movement or as the band is stretched and decreases as the band is released. With free weights, the top of the movement is usuall easiest...getting there is tough. I don't believe bands can replace free weights as you can't get as much of a load on your muscles with bands but they are a great supplement and can train your muscles at the top of a movement.

 

[kathryn]

As others have mentioned, the difference to your muscles between bands and weights is that with weights, the most resistance is at the botom and midpoint of the move, where gravity pulls on them more, with bands, it's at the end point of the move as the bands are stretched more (and with cable machines, the resistance in consistance throughout the move. You could try holding a light weight as you use the bands (or wearing weighted gloves) to get a different effect, and see how you like it.

 

[Bunbun]

That's a great idea, but I'd definitely have to work up to it!