Marketed as the "Bodylastics Home Gym," sets of Bodylastics resistance bands include the bands themselves, detachable handles and leg cuffs, door anchors and basic instructional materials to get you started. Bodylastics are far from the only elastic resistance products on the market. But they stand out because of the early addition of accessories like clips at both ends of each tube, which allow you to quickly swap back and forth between ankle cuffs, handles and multiple tubes.
Step 1
Select the appropriate level of resistance. Every Bodylastics resistance band both has its resistance rating printed on it and is color-coded to show its resistance level at a glance. From weakest to strongest, the color-coding runs yellow, green, pink, blue, black and orange, signifying 5, 7, 13, 19, 23 and 30 lbs. of resistance, respectively.
Step 2
Run the resistance band through the loop in a door anchor if you plan to use it for an exercise that requires a middle anchor --- for example, rows, narrow-grip pulldowns or triceps pushdowns. If you're performing an exercise that doesn't require a middle anchor --- for example, chest presses --- you can skip this step.
Step 3
Clip either a handle or an ankle cuff to each end of the resistance band. Use the ankle cuff for leg exercises, such as hip adduction, abduction and extension, leg extensions or leg curls. Otherwise, use the handles.
Step 4
Clip additional resistance bands to the same handle or cuff if you want even more resistance.
Tips and Warnings
- To use a door anchor, shut the door on the strap so the foam disc is on the other side of the door, and the strap loop faces toward you. You can position the anchor in the side, top or bottom of the door to change the angle of force. You can also use your body as an anchor. For example, to do a chest press with Bodylastics, attach a handle to each end of a resistance band, grasp one handle in each hand, and loop the rest of the band around your back across your shoulder blades. Extend your arms straight, pressing the handles straight out in front of you, then return to the starting position.
- Examine every elastic tube before every use. If you see any cracks, rips or other weaknesses, the elastic band might snap when in use and should be replaced.
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