Anyone have an opinion on resistance bands?

Does anyone have an opinion on resistance bands?  Do they work?  Do they build muscle?  Can I use them instead of lifting weights?

Thanks!

Diana

Personally, I love them!  I don't lift weights and the resistance bands are awesome.  They do work as long as you use them.  They do build muscle.  Maybe not as fast as weights, but you can only lift a certain amount and so many reps with weights.  With the bands, you are working with the resistance, and so you can do more reps and do a lot more exercises.  Personally, I would much rather use the bands than the weights.  Another added bonus is that they bands are cheaper (at least around here) and don't take up the room that weights do.  You can just fold 'em up and throw them in a drawer or somewhere each day you're done with them.  I have them in the floor in a corner beside my computer desk.  I'm more apt to use them if I see them often!

I use resistance bands and weights. I alternate them, so Monday bands, Tuesday weights and so forth. You get a different type of workout from the bands than from the weights.

I prefer weights or machines but they're ok for doing some exercises at home, the only thing is sometimes it takes some figuring out where to attach them to to do the different muscle groups.

I took a kickboxing class and the teacher incorporated them.  My muscles were sore for a week!

I usually use a resistance ball.

Mandi,

Thanks.  I've had some for a while now and haven't used them yet.  The ones I have look like giant rubber bands.  I have different sized ones, I guess the smaller ones apply more resistance.  Anyway, I'm excited to use them.  :-)

Diana

LOVE LOVE LOVE resistance bands. I started using them because billy blanks incorporates them into his Taebo videos. They will maek you so sore. They are also a good way to get a mini workout when i'm not feeling up to the real thing. They will kick your ass though. They can help tone your legs and your arms and are an overall good investment. If you go to billy blanks website you can buy his for like 16.00. I suggest doing that instead of the ones you buy at walmart and target. His actually have a loop to put your foot into at one end instead of both ends being handles.

I have an opinion on resistance bands: they are worthless compared to free weights. I guess they are better than nothing, though.

Resistance bands are awesome for toning.

Your best bet to get a good workout is to alternate, there are tons of really good workouts to do withe resistance bands on SELF.com for free, I recommend checking them out! Also, if you have a large mirror to do them in front of is the best way to make sure your forms are correct, otherwise you could strain certain muscles etc.

Mixing things up is your surefire way to get the best workout possible.

I'm with Spirochete, unless they're these bands - Westside Barbell Club has had great success using them as part of their training regimen for increasing speed strength and absolute strength.

 The really big problem with the general-purpose bands sold in sporting goods stores and Walmart is that you'll quickly outgrow any single set of bands if you train right. Therefore, band workouts in general fail to provide progressive overload for your muscles, which means it's an inferior training method compared to free weights.

Resistance bands are awesome for toning.

There is no such thing as "toning." You're either building muscle or you're not. What I suspect you're calling toning is building muscle in a slow, ineffective manner.

Regardless of the fact that you believe resistance bands to be ineffective, others may find them effective, others who maybe do not have access to free weights. Something is always better than nothing. By toning I do mean building muscle slowly.

I build muscle slowly because I'm a waitress and if I were to try and build muscle QUICKLY I would be where I was when I started, unable to lift a food tray and a little sore for my 17 hour work day.

We use the resistance bands at the cardiocore boot camp that I have been attending for well over a year now.    They are one of many good tools.  On the last couple of road trips that I went with my husband, I used them in the car; looped them through the back passenger cornering handles and worked my biceps, triceps as well my shoulders, back and my legs- all to the beat of music.  It may sound strange, but I felt it was better than just sitting in the car for seven  hours eating stuff!

Regardless of the fact that you believe resistance bands to be ineffective, others may find them effective, others who maybe do not have access to free weights. Something is always better than nothing. By toning I do mean building muscle slowly.

I build muscle slowly because I'm a waitress and if I were to try and build muscle QUICKLY I would be where I was when I started, unable to lift a food tray and a little sore for my 17 hour work day.





You are being way too defensive. Free weights are better, and that's not my opinion. I realize people don't always have access to weights, but the question was "do you have an opinion" and why yes, I do.

I was a waitress for 10 years honey, you don't have to tell me what it's like. It's a hard job! Doing weights would help you a lot at your job, especially if you're working somewhere that demands 17 hour days. I was a single mom years ago without any support, supporting us on waitressing. Even I didn't have to work 17 hour days!

PS: what's up with that underwear profile picture?