Surgical tubing is made of flexible rubber. It's used in multiple applications in the medical field and can also be used as a fitness tool to do exercises. In order for muscle to be built or strengthened, you must apply a resistance that's greater than the muscle is accustomed to. Surgical tubing can give you that resistance--and it can easily be stuffed into your purse, briefcase or backpack when you're on the road.
Chest Pulls
When you use tubing, cut a length that's about 24 inches long. Tie knots on the ends to prevent your hands from slipping off it while exercising. Chest pulls are done to work your shoulders and upper back. Hold the tube at chest level with your hands at the ends. Pull the ends sideways, hold for five to 10 seconds and release. Your elbows should be at about shoulder height when you do these.
Low Pulls
Low pulls are done to work the lateral deltoids on the sides of the shoulders. Hold the tube at about hip level with your hands on the ends. Pull the ends sideways and hold for five to 10 seconds. When you do this exercise, keep your elbows slightly bent. You can also do this exercise from a seated position. Just hold the tube in your lap and pull it sideways.
Pulldowns
Pulldowns are a simulation of an exercise that's done with a cable machine in the gym. Hold the ends of the tube and extend your arms straight up in the air. Pull the rube down to your right until your arm is at a 90-degree angle. Hold for five to 10 seconds, lift your arm back up and do the same with your left arm. Alternate back and forth.
Overheads
Overhead pulls work your upper shoulders and serratus muscles, located on the front and back of the upper ribcage. To do these, grab the ends of the tube and extend your arms straight above your head with your elbows slightly bent. Pull the tube sideways and hold for five to 10 seconds.
Up-and-Down Pulls
Up-and-down pulls work the upper trapezoids on top of the shoulders and the triceps on the back of the upper arms. Extend the tube straight above your head. Pull it down until it's on top of your shoulders behind your head. Hold for five to 10 seconds, then push it back up. If this causes any pain or discomfort in your shoulders, pull it down in front of your head.
Extensions
Shoulder extensions are an exercise that a lot of pitchers do to strengthen their rotator cuff muscles. To do these, fasten the tube to a door handle and grab it with your palm facing inward and your arm straight in front of you. Extend your arm backward and keep your elbow straight. Lower it to the starting point and repeat. Do eight to 12 reps and switch sides.
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