Do Resistance Band Exercises Actually Work?

If you are not yet familiar, a resistance band is basically a free-weight exercise tool that is not attached to any machine. While they were originally used as a rehabilitation method for patients wanting to get back to exercise post-injury during the 1990s, it only took off as a piece of trendy exercise equipment in recent years.

Resistance band workouts have now become popular, especially when the coronavirus pandemic hits. During quarantine, resistance bands started popping out everywhere. Because people shifted from working out at the gym to the comfort of their own home, people needed an easy, portable, and cost-effective way to exercise.

Resistance band exercises have become popular for good reasons: it is a portable, affordable and flexible fitness tool that is highly effective for building strength, mobility, and stability. As compared to other fitness equipment, it offers an accessible way to work out from home. It also comes in a wide range of resistances to keep you challenged and help you progress toward your fitness goals.

But are resistance bands really effective though? Can you get stronger, gain muscles or lose weight when you exercise with resistance bands? Here’s everything you need to know about resistance bands’ workouts and how it can help you achieve your fitness goals. Read on so you’ll never have to wonder again if resistance bands really work.

Related: Should You Get Resistance Bands?

Do Resistance Bands Work?

Resistance bands have managed to create its value in a multitude of things – from physiotherapy and strength training to just simply adding variety to your workout routine.

So, in answer to that question, the truth is resistance band workouts are effective. It all boils down to what your fitness goals are. Read further to learn how effective resistance bands are with three of the most common fitness goals.

Are Resistance Bands Effective For Strength Training?

Resistance Bands do work if your goal is to train and gain strength over a steady period of time. In fact, resistance training with resistance bands can be just as effective as training using free weights.

But like with any other exercise, you must consistently put in your maximum effort while using resistance bands to optimize your strength gains. You must always push for higher repetitions in order to improve your endurance and gain strength as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Since your muscles are under constant tension while using resistance bands, the quality and effectiveness of each rep will then be improved. And because resistance band workouts are low-intensity in comparison to weights, you will be able to hit higher repetitions faster.

However, it is also important to note that while resistance bands are effective, weights can get you to a higher level of strength in the long-run. Given the wider variety of weights and options of difficulty levels, weight training tends to challenge you more in reaching your maximum strength gains.

Are Resistance Bands Effective To Build Muscle and Tone?

Resistance bands do build muscle and tone.

Weights may help you build muscles much faster than resistance bands will, but working out with resistance bands can be equally effective at both toning and building muscle mass as long as you intentionally and continuously challenge yourself.

When it comes to building serious muscle, resistance bands help you by recruiting stabilizing muscle groups and providing extra intensity during bodyweight exercises for a more well-rounded workout.

In the same way that free weights build muscle, resistance bands provide resistance that your muscles resist and fight against rather than taking a rest between reps. Aside from that, using resistance bands help you to focus your body on control, flexibility, and even rehabilitation.

Since resistance bands are very flexible, you may also incorporate it in your free weights workouts to increase intensity for optimal results.

Are Resistance Bands Effective To Lose Weight?

Resistance bands do help you to lose weight.

When you combine working out with resistance bands with some high-intensity cardio, you will feel and see all the benefits of resistance bands including losing weight in no time.

However, resistance band workouts will only be effective as long as you have proper nutrition, enough hydration and regular exercise. When you religiously commit to your workout routine that helps you to build muscle and shed excess calories, you will surely lose weight.

When Are Resistance Bands The Most Effective?

Every person differs in body type, fitness levels, and health goals. And your choice of exercise equipment naturally relies on your purpose for working out. Our fitness goal is crucial in determining how we can use resistance bands to build, develop, and strengthen our target muscle groups.

While resistance band workouts are proven to work if you wish to build muscle and lose weight, resistance bands seem to be most effective when utilized as exercise tools for resistance strength training to develop muscles for functional purposes or restore previous functions.

Resistance band workout also allows you to strengthen your core and build muscles more steadily with less risk of being in any pain or injury. This is why resistance bands are also great for physical therapy for pregnant women, injured athletes and postnatal moms.

Where To Get Good Quality Resistance Bands?

If you’re looking for the best quality resistance bands to use during your workout to help you tone, strengthen, or add flexibility to your physique, Fitness Expo has many options for you.

Fitness Expo can help you find the perfect resistance bands for your fitness goal and level.

Contact us today and we’ll answer any questions you may have about using resistance bands!

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Fitness Expo caters to all your exercise needs from treadmills to fitness accessories.

First opened in 1980 by the Rice family, the store continues to offer the top brands and largest selection of exercise equipment for the home or commercial facility making it one of the oldest and most reputable fitness retailers in the country.

We have showrooms across Louisiana and Mississippi, but you can also shop on our website from the comfort of your own home. Contact us today!