Body sculpting works best on individuals in good health, and who have firm, elastic skin. Targeted body sculpting helps smooth problem areas and add muscle definition, says Rob Daniels, yoga and pilates practitioner. Body sculpting must take place after the majority of the subcutaneous fat is lost, otherwise you will not be able to see the body definition from the sculpting. Body sculpting can be done using free weights or body sculpting bands.
History
Body sculpting bands, also called therapy or exercise bands, initially came onto the scene in the 1960s, says physical therapist David Schmitz. He says people at that time didn't realize the full spectrum of the applications for the band, but they found if they stretched the band, it provided resistance, and eventually their muscles were fatigued. Westside Barbell Concept revolutionized the concept when they started using resistance bands in the 1970s to help develop absolute strength and maximum speed for power lifting.
Types
Body sculpting bands come in two main types: thin, flat bands or round, tubular bands. Some of the round bands have handles on the ends to assist in some of the sculpting exercises. The flat bands are better for sculpting exercises that require the band to be looped and slipped around one of the limbs, as they will not cut into the skin as much as the round bands.
Advantages
Body sculpting bands are fairly cheap, and purchasing a full set of bands will cost hundreds of dollars less than buying a set of free weights. Sculpting bands are also lightweight and portable, so they can be used at home, at the gym or packed in your luggage for use while traveling. The body bands are versatile, so workouts can target all parts of the body. One reason body sculpting bands are so effective is because they deliver "functional training" or exercises that mimic everyday actions.
Tips
Buy the best bands for what you need. If you can't move a lot of resistance, choose the lighter weight bands to start. Once those are easy, you can shorten the length of the band to make it more difficult. Purchase the tubes with handles if you plan on working your biceps and triceps bilaterally, or if you want to work out your arms and core by incorporating a Swiss ball into the work out.
Warnings
Release the tension on the band before letting go. As with any rubber band, they will re-form to their original shape as quickly as possible, so you risk getting hit with the band if you allow it to snap back into shape. Don't use a band that is torn or frayed. Once a band has a weakness, it is better to throw that band away and get a new one, or cut off the torn portion and use the rest of the band.
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