Previously spoken were the advantages of resistance bands. You may want to consider the disadvantages of these tools before making a purchase or beginning a new workout regimen.
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| www.livestrong.com |
Insufficient Resistance
One of the disadvantages of exercise bands is that they do not provide as much resistance as heavy free weights and weight machines. If you are a serious bodybuilder, resistance bands may not be a good choice for achieving your strength-training goals.1
Potential for Injury
Depending on the quality of resistance band you use, it can snap, causing an eye injury, a skin scar or sudden movement during an exercise that strains your body. If the band is attached to a pole or other piece of equipment, the connection may break, causing injury.1
Wear and tear
Consistent using could cause the to lose elasticity. Different qualities of bands determine how long they will hold up for you. Unlike dumbbells, resistance bands vary on their level of difficulty. Usually they are different colors that match a specific resistance level. Color-coding is not standard for all bands so if you buy a red band in the store it may be a different resistance than the red one you used at the gym yesterday.2
Overall, resistance bands can be very useful tools to incorporate in your fitness routine. It is recommended that you vary your workouts so that your muscles do not become used to one particular program.2 This will help avoid the plateaus that we often experience in our routines. Having a variety of methods to do this helps us stay motivated and allows us to keep seeing those results we are looking for. Consistency is the key to all programs with whatever form of strength training you decide to use. Review and change your exercises about every 4-6 weeks.2
References
1. Ashe-Edmunds, Same. (2014, Feb, 6.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Resistance Bands. Retrieved on September 27, 2015 from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/522190-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-resistance-bands/
2. Elite Training and Fitness Inc. Resistance Bands or Dumbbells. Retrieved on September 27, 2015 from: http://www.findmyfitnesstrainer.com/articles/Resistance-Bands-or-Dumbbells.asp
Hmm I never thought about resistance bands like that. I will probably not be using them anymore!
ReplyDeleteI think resistance bands are great to incorporate in the beginner, older, and recovering population. It all depends on your certain specific goals.
ReplyDeleteWe use resistance bands a lot for athlete’s rehabs and we use a color system in how we gradual increase the resistance to challenge the athlete as their strength increases. You make a great point about how the red resistance band may not be the exact same resistance as a red band you may buy at the sporting goods store. Also, it is a deficit that it does not have the same effect on the body as free weights may have.
ReplyDeleteGreat post... Thanks for sharing such a wonderful information with us...
ReplyDeleteResistance Band Travel Set