Resistance bands are more powerful than most people realize. Just because they aren’t the 50-pound dumbbell or they don’t look ‘impressive’ doesn’t mean they don’t pack quite a punch.

They may even be better than your weights, and not just because they’re prettier. Resistance bands do much more than most people realize. 

Check out the top benefits of using resistance bands to see why everyone should have a set in their home.

What are Resistance Bands?

Resistance bands are one of the simplest, yet most powerful tools you can have in your exercise arsenal. Resistance bands provide external resistance without the need to use heavy weights. You use them to apply opposing force (push or pull) when you attach them to a stable object, such as a doorway. 

They come in a variety of tensions and you can use them for a large number of exercises. Check out the top benefits of resistance bands below.

1. They are portable

You can take resistance bands anywhere. They fold up small and pack away in your gym bag, purse, or even suitcase when you go on vacation. You can use resistance bands on their own or with a doorway. As long as you have room to stretch and pull, you can exercise with your band.

2. You can change the resistance

Even if you have one resistance band, you can alter the resistance by playing with the slack. The more you stretch it, the more resistance you get. The less you stretch it, the less resistant. You get your money’s worth out of just one band. 

3. You don’t need heavy weights

Weights have their time and place in a workout, but they put you at risk of more injuries. Resistance bands take the place of weights and lower the risk of joint or muscle injuries. There’s no pressure on any joints, and the risk of injuring a muscle is lower too. 

4. You can work your entire body

Resistance bands work in any direction – vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. You can work a large number of muscles in your body unlike targeted weight lifting exercises. For example, you can work your biceps and quadriceps all with the same band. This saves you time and energy and increases the chances of working out your entire body.

5. They focus on the muscle fibers on every move

When you lift weights, you only work your muscles on the ‘lift,’ not on the release. With resistance bands, you work your muscle fibers on every move because each move is tension on both the lift and release. Gravity doesn’t play a role here, like it does with weights, which means more work for your muscles. 

6. They are great for stretching

Resistance bands increase your stretching abilities. What you would normally need another person to do for you, resistance bands do. They act as arm and leg extenders, helping you stretch further, elongating your muscles and helping your body recover faster after a hard workout. 

7. You can skip the gym membership

You can replicate the exercises you’d do on any machine at the gym (cable pulls, rowing machines, etc.). Not only will you save money on expensive gym memberships, but you can work out in the comfort of your own home. You may work out more knowing you have everything you need within arm’s reach.

8. They are inexpensive

You can buy all resistance band strengths and still save more money than a complete dumbbell weight set would cost. They are definitely less expensive than heavy gym machines too.

FAQs

Do resistance bands build muscle?

Resistance bands originally helped with muscle rehabilitation but today they’re also used to build muscle. They strengthen and tone muscles, and even help with muscle flexibility. While you won’t look like a body builder using them, you will strengthen your muscles with regular use.

How many times a week should you use resistance bands?

If you’re using resistance bands for the first time, use them approximately three times a week. This gives your muscles time to relax and repair in between workouts. Once your muscles are trained to use them, you can increase frequency to up to 5 times a week.

Are resistance bands better than weights?

Each person has his/her preference. Resistance bands provide more flexibility, portability, and they are easier to control. Weights make some people feel ‘better’ because they feel like they are doing more, but resistance bands can do just as much, if not more than weights.

Which resistance level is right for you?

This takes a little trial and error. Choose your resistance band based on your muscle’s fatigue. Test how tired you muscles get after 20 repetitions of a specific exercise. The right band is the one that allows you to perform 20 reps without tiring out. 

If the band is too easy, you won’t feel tired after 20 reps, but if it’s too hard, completing 20 reps will feel impossible.  

How fast do resistance bands work?

Like any workout, it takes time and consistency. If you use resistance bands regularly (3 times a week at least), you should see some results within 8 – 12 weeks depending on your experience level. Beginners see results faster than experienced lifters only because they are starting from ground zero.

Are resistance bands better for joints?

Since resistance bands don’t use gravity, they put less pressure on the joints. You don’t have a force pulling the band down, risking the health of your joints.

Get your Resistance Bands Today!

Peachy Bay sells some of the best and cutest resistance bands available on the market today. Available in x-small to x-heavy resistance levels, there are resistance bands for every use. Get your resistance bands in fun colors and add a little sunshine to your workouts. Once you get used to using resistance bands, you’ll wonder how you ever did without!