A resistance band can increase the level of intensity of your stretch to help increase your flexibility. Resistance bands are effective for helping you reach and hold parts of the body in correct posture or stance that you normally could not reach. You can shorten the bands to increase a stretch for greater level of difficulty. You can use a band for Pilates, yoga or basic stretching exercises.
Hamstring Stretch
Using a resistance band to stretch your hamstrings can increase the range of motion on the stretch and allow you to stay in proper form. Begin lying on your back with your back neutrally aligned. Pull your right knee into your chest and place the band around the base of your foot. Holding the edges of the band with loose tension, slowly extend the foot straight up toward the ceiling until the leg is completely straight. Hold the stretch, inhale and slowly increase the intensity by pulling gently on the band, drawing your foot and leg closer to you. Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 more seconds and release slowly. Repeat on the left leg.
Inner Thigh Stretch
The inner thigh stretch with a band allows for deeper extension into the stretch, which helps increase flexibility. Begin with sitting upright, shoulders aligned with your hips and legs straight in front of you. Bend your left foot in to the inside of the right leg and hold. Then slide the right leg out to your right side as far as you can. Place the band around the center of the right foot with loose resistance. Facing forward, hold the band with your right hand and pull gently, allowing your torso to bend toward your right leg. You should feel a stretch on the right inner thigh. Increase this stretch by using the band to pull your torso closer to your right leg. Release the stretch and bring the legs back to center. Repeat the stretch on the opposite side.
Triceps Stretch
The overhead triceps stretch is hard for many people to reach comfortably. Using a resistance band for this stretch allows you to extend fully into the stretch without stress on the shoulder joint. Stand up tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shoulders relaxed. Hold the band in your right hand and extend your right arm straight toward the ceiling, next to your head. Bend the right elbow, allowing the band to drop behind your back. Slowly reach your left hand behind your back and grab the band. Increase the intensity of the stretch by pulling the band closer to both hands. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, release and repeat on the opposite side.
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