Let's Talk About Resistance Bands

[Shelbygirl]

I'd like to get your collective opinions on the usefulness and effectiveness of resistance bands. I'm not overly fond of them myself, but with them being used quite a bit in Hardcore (so it seems from the first pictures, anyway), I'd like to try to change my opinion. What are the pros and cons of using these things? Actually, I'm only really looking for the pros, since I don't like them much to begin with! Any thoughts?

Shelbygirl

 

[KathyH]

Hi Shelbygirl! I've used an advanced tubing for my strength training in place of dbs. I've found the tubing to be extremely challenging. However, when I've used dynabands for Pilates I found it challenging but not challenging for my standard strength training. I'm on the fence about this. I'll have to wait & actually do these DVDs w/the dynaband first before I make any constructive criticism. If I feel I'm not challenged by the band I'm definitely going to use my tubing instead. HTH, Kathy

 

[claridge]

The Pros of Resistance Bands are not needing 2-3 pairs of different weights on hand for workouts. (Increasing your workout load with Bands requires you to just "wrap" the band tighter )

Requires MORE control than hand weights, so you can workout HARDER

Easy to pack in a suitcase if your going away

A cheap piece of exercise equipment but EFFECTIVE

I use my Band alot in conjunction with DB's - the workouts DO feel different! (but in a good way)

 

[Connie1]

Yay! some good sounding pro's here!

 

[susanz]

I got my resistance bands through Spri Products. I love them. I have one plain band, one band with handles and one band that is with a bar. I like the fact they are so portable. They also give you varying positions. I use mine a lot. Susan

 

[starlight6]

I didn't like them when I first tried them but I got used to them & like them as a change now. They work your muscles in a different way...you can feel that it's different, although hard to explain...more resistance on the lowering phase for instance.

I would never use only bands but I do like to use them sporadically.

Ruth

 

[Shelbygirl]

Thanks for the comments everyone; you've helped me open my mind a bit in favor of bands. I'm guessing I'll get a better appreciation of them via The Hardcore Series. From the pictures, it looks like Cathe has thought up new and interesting ways to use them. I think my problem with bands was that I had previously only used them with non-Cathe instructors, so the workouts were never that intense. (Kari Anderson (whom I do like)used bands in one of her step tapes but I got bored pretty quickly).

Shelbygirl