Using resistance bands for workouts has become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. One of the standout features of resistance bands is that they are lightweight and portable, easy to fit into your gym bag or suitcase, making them perfect for workouts at home or even on holiday. For me, they’re the only exercise equipment I travel with – so lightweight that I can bring along all the extra, unnecessary things I don’t actually need!
Resistance bands are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to work out, especially because they’re gentle on the joints. They reduce stress during strength training, making it easier for everyone to take part. These bands engage the stabilising muscles that help keep joints aligned, boosting overall function. You can also customise the resistance by adjusting the band’s length or thickness, allowing gradual progress without overloading your joints. Plus, resistance bands promote a full range of motion, which improves flexibility and mobility. They’re often used in physical therapy for gentle rehabilitation, helping relieve pain and making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Another great thing about these bands is how easy they are to adjust. You can effortlessly tweak the intensity of your workout, helping you track your strength gains over time. They’re also budget-friendly compared to traditional gym equipment. With just one or two bands, you can do a wide variety of exercises while targeting different muscle groups, and even incorporating cardio – all with a single piece of equipment.

Why not give this short workout a try? 

(Remember to warm up and do a good stretch when finished). Start with 1 round of these exercises of 10 repetitions and gradually increase to 2 rounds of 16 repetitions.

Banded Squats
Stand on the band, lower into a squat and return to the starting position.
(This works your thighs and bottom).

Seated Row
Loop the band around your feet, pull it towards your torso, keep your shoulders down and pull your shoulder blades together, then return to the start position. (This works your upper back and improves posture).

Chest Press
Anchor the band behind you and press forward, return to starting position. (This works your chest).

Lateral Band Walks
Place a band around your legs and step side to side, engaging your hip abductors.

Tricep Extensions
Stand on the band and extend your arm overhead, and return to the start position. Keep your straight arm as close to your ear as possible as you bend the arm from the elbow.
(This works the back of your arm/triceps).

Keeping your bands in tip-top condition

To maintain your resistance bands, hand-wash them with mild soap and warm water, avoiding bleach and oil-based products. Air-dry by laying them flat or hanging them up; avoid heat sources and store them in a cool, dry place. Be cautious when attaching the bands – smooth, rounded surfaces are ideal. Overstretching bands beyond twice their normal length can create excessive tension and cause them to snap. If you notice any signs of wear, peeling, tearing or corrosion, it’s time to replace them.

Last but not least.

If you’re still not convinced about these bands of magic it’s worth knowing that, unlike traditional weight training, resistance bands engage your stabilising muscles that are very often missed in traditional weight training. So why not grab a band and take your workout to a different level?

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com and on social @sarahmaxlife