Resistance bands are an accessory that can be used in a variety of ways for exercise. Made of durable latex strips or tubing, bands or tubes are often color-coded in order of their resistance levels, and may be used for traditional workouts or in the water.
Strength
Resistance bands are available in a variety of strengths or thicknesses that increase resistance from light to heavy. Made of resilient latex components, bands or tubes are easy to transport and can be used for physical therapy and toning, strengthening and conditioning in many settings, including your spa or swimming pool.
Tension
Select resistance bands or tubes that offer your muscles a challenge in the water, but don't overdo it at the start. Exercising in water is easier on the joints than workouts on flooring, but start with lower resistance before advancing to heavier tubing or bands. Easy resistance bands of lighter colors, such as yellow, are thinner, while darker colors are thicker. Tension is often described as thin or light, medium, heavy or super heavy, depending on your current strength and needs. Tubing and bands used in the water offer between 10 and 200 pounds of resistance. Tubes used individually can offer up to 50 pounds of resistance, and when combined can increase to the 200-pound range.
Durability
Resistance bands and tubing are durable for water use, but check the bands or tubes periodically for cracks or tears in the tubing. Chlorine or other chemicals in the water may cause your bands or tubes to deteriorate at a faster rate, but they should still last one to two years, depending on your frequency of use. Resistance bands and tubing come with optional accessories such as chest expanders, grip handles, and ankle and wrist straps.
Adapting
You can adapt your resistance-tube exercises from home to the pool. For example, most exercises using bands or tubes on flooring can be done in a swimming pool, as long as you don't have to bend over, which would require you to place your face underwater. Basic calisthenic-type exercises can be done in the pool using bands or tubes, as can standing Pilates or yoga positions and moves.
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