Exercise bands offer the freedom and flexibility to work out anywhere. Beginners and experienced bodybuilders can benefit from resistance band usage. Door and furniture attachments are available for resistance bands to help you simulate exercises from fitness machines. Major retailers offer a variety of bands and sometimes sell several resistances in a package along with workout ideas. You can choose your resistance level based on color and thickness of the exercise band.
Thera-Band
Thera-Band is a line of resistance band products used for rehabilitation, sports training and exercise. Bands come in latex and latex-free varieties. Thera-Bands are flat and thin in appearance; the best description is a large rubber band. They come in a wide range of colors, indicating resistance. You can buy them in bulk as a large roll and cut the bands to suit. Thera-Bands are available online and similar products are sold at major retailers.
Exercise Bands
Exercise bands come in a variety of styles from circular to a straight band with handles on each end. Exercise bands are used in group fitness classes to sculpt the upper body and tone the legs. The resistance circle is effective for use in Pilates class to sculpt the thighs and glutes. They are lightweight and travel well. Exercise band resistance is based on color and thickness. Buy several colors to have a variety of resistances from which to choose.
Resistance
The standard for exercise band resistance is color and thickness. The lightweight bands are usually thin and light in color. Heavy resistance bands are thick and dark in color. If you pick a black resistance band, chances are it's very heavy. Medium resistance bands fall somewhere between light and heavy resistance in terms of color and thickness. If you purchase your exercise band in a package, there should be a key telling you how heavy it is. You can also purchase exercise bands as a set to ensure you have a wide range of resistances.
Safety
Don't be fooled by exercise bands. They can be a hazard if you don't use them correctly. Make sure the band is secured firmly before performing any type of exercise. If you put enough tension on them and they snap back, you'll need ice for the injury. Examine your exercise band carefully before use every time. Examine the length of the exercise band, checking for tears and punctures. A small tear may not be something to worry about, but know that it can get worse over time. If any large holes appear in your exercise band, it's time for a replacement. Store them in a dry environment at room temperature and don't allow children to play with them without supervision.
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