What do resistance bands do?

A resistance band does exactly what the name suggests: it adds resistance to an exercise. This added resistance helps strengthen your muscles and pushes you to work a little bit harder.

6 benefits of resistance bands

Resistance bands have a number of benefits. In addition to their ability to help you strengthen muscles groups, they are also affordable, portable and accessible.

1. Tone and strengthen

As resistance bands stretch, they create increased tension in your muscles and cause them to contract. The more you stretch the band, the more intense the resistance gets, and the harder the exercise becomes. You can also create more resistance by holding the resistance band in a way increases tension – like bringing your hands closer together when doing arm moves, for example.

2. Add assistance, not just resistance

Resistance bands can also assist your progress with difficult exercises. For example, for those wanting to get better at pull-ups, simply attach the resistance band to the bar and either under your knee or foot to work your way up to an unassisted version. As you perform the pull-up with the band, your weight is supported by the band, making the exercise more accessible.

3. Great for stretching

These stretchy bands are a fantastic addition to your stretching routine, especially if you lack flexibility and mobility. A resistance band enables you to increase the range of motion and deepen the stretch as you gently move the band either away or towards your body.