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10 benefits of using resistance bands while exercising

Resistance bands, also called resistance band or fitness elastic, are ideal for people who want to train at home, or who would like to continue their workouts when they travel. There are many benefits to this simple fitness item, including versatility, convenience, safety and effectiveness. The more you learn about the benefits of a resistance band, the more motivated you'll be to add them to your home workout routine.

1. You Have a Cost-Effective Workout Whether you buy them individually or as a set, resistance bands are an inexpensive addition to your home gym equipment. Some resistance bands are even sold with a guided exercise DVD.

2. It is easy to use for multiple fitness levels. Resistance bands come in multiple resistance levels, usually light, medium or heavy. You can further adjust the amount of resistance during the exercise by just adding more or less slack to the band, as well as combining multiple resistance bands to increase the challenge.

3. You do well-known exercises in a different way
Resistance band exercises are often based on well-known strength-training movements. For example, if you stand on one end of the cord and slide your arm up while holding the other end, you are replacing your standard dumbbell bicep curl.

4. You train your whole body
Many resistance band kits come with recommended exercises for almost every major muscle group in your body.

5. You'll save on storage space
If you don't have a lot of space for all kinds of fitness equipment, resistance bands are a great option that takes up very little space. You can hang them on a hook after training, or roll them up to store in a box or drawer.

6. You can take them anywhere
Since they are so small and portable, resistance bands are a great way to take your workout with you when you travel. There are many resistance exercises that can be easily done in the small space of a hotel room.

7. You Can Add Variety To Your Workouts
Over time, your muscles will adapt to each new workout routine. It's a good idea to mix your workout with free weights and machines. All will make your muscles work in a slightly different way.

8. You Exercise Safely Even When You're Alone
Resistance bands provide strength training without the risk of dropping a heavy weight on your foot or crushing your fingers between weight plates. That makes them ideal for training if you don't have a personal trainer or training partner.

9. You can combine it with other training equipment
Although resistance bands work great, they can also be combined with other training equipment. For example, doing bicep curls with both a resistance band and a dumbbell gives you the combined benefits of each type of equipment.

10. You Get an Effective Workout
Although there are differences between free weights and resistance band exercises, both are effective. Free weights will feel heaviest in the beginning, while resistance bands will make your muscles work harder at the end (when the band is at its tightest). Either way, your body moves against resistance, and that gives your muscles an effective workout.