We all realise that we should spend less time doing nothing & more time staying fit, but with all the fad presures of life & conflicting advice out there, it’s hard for a person to decide upon the best workout system. Fortunately, there is little argument among experts that low impact, muscle building workouts are exceedingly beneficial to those new to exercise.
There are a variety of opportunities to gain the rewards of low impact strength training. The most beneficial – & convenient – are resistance bands. These stretchy tubes are highly economical and come in a wide selection of resistances and sizes.
The most obvious benefit of pilates band workouts is the ability to take them with you wherever you go. Because the bands can be folded, rolled up or pushed into extremely small spaces, you can pack a band (or two or three) into your bag and grab a bit of exercise whenever you have a little spare time . Since the tubes don’t require any setup, you can pack in a quick five minute workout multiple times a day, without being conspicuous or frustrated.
Resistance bands are also the perfect exercise aids due to their versatility. You can use them to tone nearly any muscle in your body, from your arms to your abs to your calves. They can be utilized in most any standard exercise, or you can use them to create movements that are comfortable for you.
While weights involve lifting & moving, resistance bands stretch with your body. This key difference makes the tubes immeasurably safer than traditional weights. When using the tubes for strength training, you won’t need to worry about dropping or overextending a weight. The tube will not go farther than your body will allow. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with it, you can slowly release the tension using your body’s movements.
The safety features of pilates bands extend beyond just the use. Anyone who has kept a few weight plates around the home knows that they inevitably end up being stored under couches & causing stubbed toes, trips & falls. Resistance tubes, on the other hand, are remarkably accident free. They can be easily shoved under a couche or in a corner without a second thought.
The health benefits of pilates bands are many & far reaching. The low impact movements build joint strength without causing damage, as exercises like press ups are prone to do. These exercises build lean, long muscles, which are more attractive than the bulky muscles created by weight training. The process that builds this muscle will also increase your flexibility and range of motion. After the muscle is built, your body can burn more calories (and stored fat) than it did before.
Most health professionals agree that the best workout is a program that you’ll stick to. Resistance tubes offer a simple, highly portable exercise option that will let you grab workouts when the mood hits you. If you want more information you should check out some resistance band books or resistance band DVDs.