Resistance bands and tubes are they better than weights?

Resistance bands and tubes – are they better than weights?

Earlier used as fitness equipment, resistance bands and tubes are nowadays commonly used by physiotherapists for rehabilitation as well. In some ways they are similar because both of them provide some form of resistance, allow a free range of motion and allow a variable speed of movement. But are they better than weights? Here's what the experts had to say:

Benefits over weights

'There are numerous benefits over weights. They're inexpensive, require virtually no maintenance and one band alone can be used for numerous movements. They can be carried anywhere and one band can be used for many different movements. Also unlike weights, the user is able to control the amount of force being applied very easily by their foot position, body position and movement. Simply repositioning your body while performing the given exercise will add more or less load/stress or assistance,' Hill adds. (Read: )

Versatile and easy to carry around

According to celebrity trainer, , 'Resistance bands and tubes are great because they are versatile and allow you to target muscles you have trouble training with weights and offer great variety. Also thanks to their light weight, they can be taken anywhere.'

Great for rehab

Ace bodybuilder Neil 'Yoda' Hill says that bands and tubes can be used for multiple exercises. He adds, 'They are very effective for injury/rehab phases as the user is able to create a positive load in a given area and also control the pressure/load being applied. Since they are rubberised and flexible, they can be used to perform multiple movements or exercises.'

Help increase co-ordination:

Unlike dumbbells which offer resistance when going against gravity, resistance bands or tubes offer resistance throughout the movement. This makes you stabilize your body better leading to better co-ordination, involving more muscle groups.

Tips to buy and use resistance bands or tubes:

You can buy them at shops having sports and fitness equipment or at many online stores. Buy them in two to three different colours (offering different levels of resistance) so that you can use different ones for various body exercises for targeting different muscle groups.Resistance tubes come with handles which may be slightly uncomfortable. Choose ones with padded handles if  you find them.For certain moves, you might need to attach them to a wall, pole or door with an attachment. Ask the store if they have any.When your body gets used to one level of bands, move on to the next level.Sometimes, if you're not tall enough, the resistance tubes may seem inadequate to offer resistance. In these cases, just make a loop with them on the floor and keep your foot/feet on it. You can adjust the size of the loop based on how much resistance you require.

 

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