Resistance bands - any recommendations?

Duffield1

New Member
22 Nov 2011
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I'm trying out a Wii-based fitness programme that involves using a resistance band. However, I'm finding it tricky to use - some activities require it to be long, some short and changing the length is quite tricky.

If I am looking to buy a set of resistance bands, what should I look for?
 

gosu_smurf

Senior Member
7 Jun 2011
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I'm not an expert on resistance bands but this is some info I've found, hope it helps.

Buy a variety of bands. Most bands are color-coded according to tension level (e.g., light, medium, heavy, very heavy). It's best to have at least three - light, medium and heavy since different muscle groups will require different levels of resistance.

Buy comfortable, easy to use bands. Some bands you find in stores offer interchangeable handles, which means you have to take them off and on to use different bands. Some have handles that are larger than normal or made of hard plastic. These are minor issues, but they can make using your bands more difficult than it needs to be. Try to buy bands with padded handles and make sure you don't have to change them out.

Buy accessories. One key to using bands is having different ways to attach them. If you have a sturdy pole or stair rail in your house to wrap the band around for exercises like chest presses or seated rows, you may not need much more than bands. But, if you don't, you may want a door attachment. You can also buy ankle cuffs, different handles and other accessories.

Keep it simple. There's a wide variety of bands available - figure 8's, double bands, circular bands, etc. If you're just getting started, stick with your basic long tube with handles. Once you figure out how to use it, you may want to buy other types later for variety.

Anyhow, what will you be doing with the resistance bands will be a factor when coming to decide which band to get. What are u planning to do with the bands?
 

Duffield1

New Member
22 Nov 2011
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This sounds really pathetic, but I don't know what I am going to be using them for - that's part of the joy of using a technology-based fitness system! The Wii shows me what to do, but the band that came with the game is rather useless - shortening it is a nightmare as you have to undo knots and retie it, and quite frankly, in the middle of a workout, I don't want to be stalled by trying to untie knots that I've made deliberately tight so that the handles don't fall off the straps!

These bits of guidance are good, though - especially having three different resistance levels, as my legs are much stronger than my arms, and I need to build up the muscles in my back to compensate for an old injury.