Originally used as rehabilitation tools in nursing homes, elastic resistance bands have become an effective piece of strength training equipment for exercisers at all fitness levels. Resistance bands exercises mimic every day activities and strength training movements, making them effective for functional training and athletic training programs. The more you know about resistance bands, the better chance you have a of choosing a band that suits your needs.
Bodylastics
Bodylastics makes resistance bands effective for advanced training. The clip system allows you to add resistance in small amounts by attaching multiple bands together. The Bodylastics home gym system comes with ankle straps and interchangeable handles, making it simple to move from upper to lower body exercises. Each system comes with a training manual and anchoring device to attach bands to a fixed object. The Basic Tension set offers up to 88 lbs. of resistance.
Therabands
The Hygienic Corporation introduced Therabands in 1976. As one of the oldest resistance bands, these bands assist when practicing yoga and add difficulty to Pilates exercises. The width of the bands makes them more comfortable to stand on when performing exercises in bare feet. While there are Theraband exercises for each major muscle group, the bands do not come equipped with handles. Those who suffer from wrist or hand injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome may feel more comfortable using a band with handles.
Spri Bands
Spri bands entered the resistance band industry in the 1980's through fitness demos at fitness conventions. The company has grown considerably since then and now offers a vast selection of resistance band products. Besides the original resistance tubing, the company also offers Xercuffs, ankle bands that attach with velcro; mini bands, 2 in. flat band loops; and the Ultra Toner, a figure eight band that offers maximum resistance. Spri bands are an effective tool used in fitness classes and home exercise programs.
FlexBands
FlexBand offers a type of resistance band designed as one continuous loop and commonly used among power lifters and professional athletes. These bands are effective for strengthening your lower back and stretching several different body parts. The bands offer variable isotonic exercise, which allows the pressure to change throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise, according to the FlexBand website. The resistance of the FlexBand increases as your joint angles improve, making these bands an effective and safe piece of training equipment. FlexBands are available in six sizes with resistance levels ranging from 5 to 200 lbs.
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