Resistance or stretchy bands provide an affordable, convenient and effective workout option. If you're looking to add bulk to skinny arms and develop muscle, resistance band exercises can fit into your schedule and your living room with ease. Make time for upper body work with resistance bands two to three times a week to create the arms you've always wanted.
Choosing Resistance Bands
Resistance bands come in various lengths, weights and styles. Style and length matter less than weight. Some bands have handles, while others do not. Choose a thicker band with higher resistance if you want to add bulk to your arms, just as you'd opt for a heavier weight dumbbell. Most stretch bands are color coded to help you choose the resistance level you prefer. Avoid cutting or shortening the bands, but you can wrap them around your hands during exercises to reduce the length.
Tone Your Triceps
Add an additional challenge to classic push ups with a resistance band. Start in a modified push up position, with your abs engaged, weight on your hands, and your knees touching the floor or your exercise mat. Place one end of the resistance band under one hand, bring it over your back and snugly hold it under the opposite hand. Bring your hands close together, spacing them about 5 inches apart, then lower and raise your upper body as you would if you were doing a traditional push up.
Lateral Raise
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Place one end of the resistance band under your right foot and grasp the other end of the band with your right hand. Your right arm should be straight down at your side, with the thumb pointing forward and a slight bend in the elbow. Raise your arm laterally until it reaches shoulder height. Hold briefly, then lower your hand slowly back to your side and repeat.
Bicep Curl
Bulk up your biceps with bicep curls done with a stretch band instead of hand weights. Use a loop-shaped resistance band, knot your band into a loop, or simply grasp the flat band for this exercise. Stand and hold one end of your band or looped stretch band in your left hand, slightly below your waist. Grab the other end with your right hand, keeping your right elbow near your body. Curl your right arm, bringing your hand up to shoulder level until your right palm is facing the front of your left shoulder. Gradually lower your arm and repeat, then switch sides.
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