Resistance Bands: Budget Strength Training for Beginners
Posted: Sep 22 in Weight Loss Blog by Staff
For most people starting a new fitness routine after weight loss surgery, it doesn’t make sense to purchase an entire home gym. Fortunately, many effective strength training exercises can be performed using affordable, space-saving resistance bands. They’re easy to store, easy to travel with and fun to use. Here are the three main types of resistance bands:
Tube Bands
Tube resistance bands are between four and five feet long. They’re generally used for working on the upper body and sides of the body. Tube bands have a handle on each end of the band. The handle allows the user to perform the types of exercises associated with cable-machines at the gym. These include bicep curls and lateral pulls. Tube bands are generally attached to doorways using special attachments.
Flat Bands
Flat resistance bands are very simple pieces of highly stretchy latex. They’re about four feet long. Favored by physical therapists, these beginner-friendly resistance band are often used for lower body workouts and for strengthening the muscles around the ankle.
Loop Bands
Similar to flat resistance bands, loop bands are also long pieces of stretchy latex. As the name suggests, these are formed into the shape of a loop. The loop can be attached to the ankles for lower body workouts.
Each type of band is color coded to signify the amount of resistance. As with traditional weights and machines, different resistance levels are used for different levels of fitness and different exercises. Ask your doctor about the right resistance bands to incorporate into your new workout routine after weight loss surgery.