The Power in Resistance Bands

Image credit: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

The beauty of working out is that there are so many different ways to do so and so many different machines and devices to use! Resistance bands are a versatile and convenient piece of workout gear that can be used at the gym, in your dorm room or outside. Small and light, you can pack them up and use them anywhere. Resistance bands can be used for multiple target areas, from your quads and calves to biceps and triceps.

“Resistance bands are compact and provide freedom in movement,” said Kevin Yang, the coordinator of fitness staff at the Geary F. Eppley Recreation Center. “It is a light piece of equipment that is easy to carry around, so you can do strength training almost anywhere. They also allow you to exercise in multiple directions. As long as you have a stable attachment point, you can try a variety of moves.”

Mary Gately, a former lacrosse player at Florida Southern College, said that her trainers would have the team use resistance bands all the time. Ever since her lacrosse training, she still incorporates resistance bands into her workouts.

“We used them because it strengthens your tendons and ligaments [in a way] that normal strength training cannot do,” said Gately. “ACL injury is very common in women’s lacrosse because of pivoting motion and constant stress on your joints. We used resistance bands to directly strengthen the ACL ligament so it’s less likely that injury would occur.”

Yang added that resistance bands are used in therapy since they are very low-risk and they can also be used with barbell and dumbbell movements to test power at the end range of movement.

Yang said that banded rows, pull-aparts, bicep curls and squats are popular movements that can be done with bands.

Resistance bands come in all colors and weights. From light to extra-heavy, there is a band that’s best for you to use and a way to use it in a way that is best suited for whatever area or movement you desire.