The wide, flat Thera-Bands provide an economical, versatile and portable workout. The bands, which are color coded according to their resistance level, enhance strength, flexibility and sport-specific performance. Instructors use them in Pilates, yoga and sport conditioning classes. The Thera-Band company sells pre-cut bands, as well as rolls of bands that can be cut according to your needs.
History
The Thera-Band product evolved as a subsidiary of the Hygenic Corporation. Hygenic, founded in 1926, manufactured synthetic rubber and latex products. It introduced the Thera-Band in 1976 and established the Thera-Band Academy in 1999. The academy, composed of sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers and physical therapists, performs Thera-Band exercise research and provides online exercise programs and fitness information.
Function
Thera-bands function as strength or flexibility conditioning tools. They provide resistance during strength exercises and assistance during flexibility exercises. The bands simulate some of the exercises performed on traditional strength-training machines. Yoga teachers use them for leverage during flexibility exercises. For supine hamstring stretches, wrap the band around one foot, hold the ends and gently pull your leg toward your torso.
Types
Thera-Band makes latex bands as well as latex-free bands for people with latex allergies. The longer bands are best for upper body exercises, squats and lunges. The Thera-Band continuous loops provide resistance during standing, side-lying and supine leg exercises.
Expert Insight
A study published in the September 2008 edition of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" compared the effects of using Thera-Bands versus weight machines for sedentary middle-aged women. Lead researcher J.C. Colado of the Department of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Valencia, Spain, found that the bands and weight machines caused similar increases in lean muscle mass.
Warning
Thera-bands tend to stick to one another during humid weather. If possible, hang them on racks, but if you must store them in a bag, sprinkling them with baby powder will keep them from sticking together. Tying the ends of the band destroys their integrity, so use the Thera-band loops for leg exercises. People with a tendency toward carpal tunnel syndrome may experience wrist pain during Thera-band exercise. Consider purchasing the specialized Thera-band handles and attaching them to the bands. Their ergonomic design causes less wrist stress.
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