Exercise Bands for Upper Body Workouts

Exercise Bands for Upper Body Workouts
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Although exercising with resistance bands is quite different from exercising with free weights and weight machines, using resistance bands can effectively build muscle and help you improve your body composition. Sports Fitness Advisor also notes that resistance bands can be helpful for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Consult a doctor before beginning any exercise routine.

Benefits of Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are beneficial because they cost less than a home gym or set of free weights. In addition, Sports Fitness Advisor points out that the bands are lightweight, so they can be portable. Resistance bands are versatile, so they can be used for training your entire body and are appropriate for rehabilitation programs.

Adjusting Resistance

Although resistance bands do not include weight plates or barbells, you can still adjust the resistance as you progress. By looping resistance bands together, you can reduce the resistance. By folding over resistance bands or attaching them to doors or walls using clips, you can increase the resistance, as it makes the bands more taut.

Pushing Exercises

Upper body exercise can help you develop your triceps, shoulders and back muscles. According to the American Council on Exercise, some effective upper body pushing exercises with resistance bands include chest presses, lateral raises and tricep extensions.

Pulling Exercises

Pulling exercises can help strengthen your back, shoulders and biceps. The Sports Injury Clinic website suggests performing bicep curls, upright rows, seated rows and the reverse fly when training your upper body with resistance bands.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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