Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » resistance bands

Resistance Bands: The New Free Weights? | Elastic Exercise Bands Vs. Dumbbells

Steve — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:02:21 +0000

We all know the importance of building muscle to support bone density and reduce fat. The fastest way to build muscle mass is through strength training. Many associate this with weight lifting or commercial gym machines and think these are the only options. Not any more. Resistance band exercise is becoming more and more popular in gyms and homes all across the country.

Research has shown that resistance band exercise is comparable to weight lifting with dumbbells in terms of building lean muscle. Unlike dumbbells, resistance bands can be used to work not only arms, shoulders and back, but also legs, abs, and glutes. By creating resistance against your muscles using your own body weight, you’ll get the benefit of longer, leaner muscles. Dumbbells limit your range of motion and are not as flexible when working the lower body. With resistance bands, you can do a variety of standing exercises along with floor work to cover all muscle groups. The flexibility of standing/stepping on or attaching them to a part of your body allows you to maneuver in more ways than one.

Women are increasingly finding resistance band exercises beneficial and opting for this form of strength training. It eliminates the awkwardness of working out in a weight room full of men and the potential for feeling intimidated. Resistance bands are ideal for stay at home moms who have limited time and want to make the most of their workouts. They also offer Pilates lovers more resistance in their moves, mixing up a boring routine and boosting the number of calories burned.

Men looking for variety or to slim down a previously bulky build without losing muscle or having it turn to fat will also benefit from resistance band workouts. They are easy on the joints and work with your own body weight to get into shape, making them a favorite among those with injuries or who want to build strength slowly.

Unlike barbells, dumbbells and strength training machines, resistance bands don’t require an entire room or section of a room dedicated to bulky equipment. And they are much more affordable. Resistance bands easily store away under furniture, in a closet, or a drawer. They’re also easy to transport for those who travel frequently and want to maintain their daily exercise routine — just pack them in your suitcase and work out in your hotel room. Tired of working out at the gym or at home? Throw them in the car and drive down to the local park. By combining a brisk walk with stops along the way to do resistance training, you will significantly boost your metabolism and burn more calories.

Resistance bands are rapidly becoming one of the most popular alternative workout methods. Try incorporating them into traditional weight lifting routines for variety and challenge.

Read our Resistance Bands Reviews

2010 Best Resistance/Strength Band System | From Bodylastics and MUSCLE & FITNESS Magazine

Steve — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:22:32 +0000

We’ve reviewed Resistance Bands of varying quality from many manufacturers. This new system from Bodylastics sets the standard for a comprehensive home resistance band training gym.

Everything about this system is high quality and heavy-duty. It’s ideal for beginner to the most extreme workouts.

The package includes 4 foam-covered handles, 4 heavy-duty ankle straps, 2 door anchors and 12 continuous-dipped elastic bands to accommodate more than 120 resistance levels. Unlike cheaper systems, the Bodylastics Muscle & Fitness resistance bands allow you to attach multiple bands to a single handle, rather than hold multiple handles to increase resistance.

The bands start with two 5-pounders (yellow), with the resistance levels moving progressively upward to two 7-pounders (green), two 13-pounders (red), two 19-pounders (blue), two 23-pounders (black), and two 30-pounders (orange).

The door anchors allow you to perform more than 140 top gym exercises, or dozens of others while using the bands freestanding.

The Muscle & Fitness set also comes with one 76-page Bodylastics user book, a fat-burning circuit-training DVD, a heavy-duty storage/travel bag, and lifetime certificate for access to a members-only online learning center with video instruction and coaching for all exercises.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Flexcords Resistance Bands Home Gym | High Quality, Portable, Doorway Workout Set

Steve — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:58:35 +0000

The popularity and effectiveness of resistance band training has led to a flood of choices for consumers from hundreds of manufacturers.

While Flexcords may not compete with resistance band industry-leader Bodylastics, this is an impressive set of above-average quality bands and an inexpensive alternative to a home gym or set of adjustable dumbbells.

The Flexcords package includes six color-coded resistance bands, each with a different tension, suited to beginner or advanced users. The set offers resistance from 2-55 pounds, supporting over 100 exercises.

Again using Bodylastics as a benchmark comparison, the Flexcords grips are comfortable but not padded and contoured. Also, multiple bands cannot be hooked to a single handle — each of the six bands has it’s own permanently attached handle. This makes it not advisable or at best cumbersome to use more than one simultaneously. That said, the choice of six bands will provide ample resistance for most users.

Proper resistance band training strengthens the stabilizing muscles as well as the targeted muscle group, increasing core and joint strength and improving posture. The wide range of motion and constant tension also serve to stretch the muscle to better improve tone and endurance.

Resistance bands are also ideal for reducing the risk of injury and rehab to safely repair injured muscles.

Flexcords resistance bands provide a smooth, seamless workout and give you dynamic control of your routines without sacrificing quality.

Flexcords Resistance Bands Set Product Details

White Lightning Flexcord: 40 – 55 lbs
Blue Flexcord: 28 – 40 lbs
Red FLexcord: 18 – 28 lbs
Green Flexcord: 12 – 18 lbs
Orange Flexcord: 7 – 12 lbs
Yellow Flexcord: 3 – 6 lbs
Door Attachment
Exercise chart
Light and portable
90 day money back guarantee

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Resistance Exercise Band Set | 3 Piece Multi-Colored Light, Medium & Heavy Tensions

Steve — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:53:22 +0000

Resistance bands are a popular and affordable alternative to traditional weight training. Research shows that regular resistance band training strengthens and tones muscles while increasing bone mass.

This versatile home training set from Agile Fitness includes three color-coded bands of light, medium and heavy tension.

With weights, you know exactly how much you’re lifting. With bands, it’s an approximation. The light band offers 3-5 pounds of resistance, the medium band about 8 pounds of resistance and the heavy band about 12 pounds resistance.

Each band has 2 tapered foam grip handles with custom-designed web strapping.

Excellent for travel, the set comes with a black mesh bag with auto-lock drawstring.

This package is a good value for basic resistance band training. See all our resistance band reviews for more comprehensive, versatile sets that include door anchors, detachable handles etc.

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Resistance Bands Exercise Set | SPRI Advanced Traveling Trainer

Steve — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:06:16 +0000

Resistance bands continue to gain popularity and acceptance among consumers, fitness experts and professional athletes. This is not a gimmick or passing fitness fad.

This set of bands from Spree is similar to others from Bodylastics (top rated), Ripcords and GoFit. They all serve the same purpose but differ in the quality of materials, quantity and strength of bands, and design of the attachment devices. Each offers the benefits of toning, building muscle mass and burning fat without the need for a full set of dumbbells. Resistance band training is an excellent choice for those with limited space and budget.

The SPRI Advanced Traveling Trainer includes three Xertubes (light, medium, and heavy resistance) one hand strap, an exercise video, training workout program, diner’s guide and durable, lightweight black nylon travel bag.

Unlike many resistance band sets this low-priced package does NOT include a door attachment.

This is one of several resistance band packages being used for the P90X Workout and EA Sports Active for the Nintendo Wii.

For a step up in quality and number of components see the Bodylastics Basic Tension Set and Ripcords Black Sniper Edition Six Pack.

More Info & Price Comparison

Altus Resistance Bands Athletic Home Gym | With Door Attachment and DVD

Steve — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:37:49 +0000

Resistance bands offer a good alternative to traditional weight training for toning and building lean muscle mass. They’re cheap, versatile, travel well and are appropriate for all fitness levels.

The Altus Athletic Home Gym is a compact workout system that uses adjustable bungee cord tubing with an attachment that fits most doors. It accommodates a wide range of exercises for the chest, arms, legs, back, shoulders and abs.

This is a relatively basic system that does not include as many interchangeable options and variations as the more expensive, celebrity endorsed brands. But this is a durable set of bands that’s easy to use and suited to those who are new to resistance training.

This list of available exercises demonstrates just how versatile resistance bands can be: Ab Crunches, Standing Flys, Squats, Rear Lateral Raises, Tricep Push Down, Seated Row, Leg Abductor, Front Lateral Raises, Triceps Pull Down, Upright Rows, Leg Raises, Shoulder Press, Bicep Curls, Straight Arm Pull Downs and Reverse Leg Extensions

The system comes with an instructional DVD.

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SPRI Pilates Portable Kit | Resistance Tubes, Door Attachment and Exercise Mat

Steve — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:24:29 +0000

This “anywhere, anytime” Pilates kit from SPRI combines the tools and method to create a solid conditioning program without the need for an expensive home gym. The system is effective for toning and light sculpting, but won’t get you ripped.

The package includes three Xertubes, a door attachment and an exercise mat to create a complete program of Pilates reformer-based resistance.

The workout focuses on the abdominals, lower back, hips and buttocks but also works the chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders and lats.

The video is easy to follow but unfortunately comes on a VHS tape rather than DVD. SPRI is a pioneer in rubberized resistance training and on the “cutting edge of today’s exercise trends.” Upgrading the video in this package to DVD format would help add credibility to that claim.

SPRI Pilates Portable Kit Product Details

Lightweight, versatile and comprehensive Pilates package
3 SPRI Xertubes (yellow, red, green)
Secure Door Attachment
Exercise Mat
Pilates Instructional Video (VHS)
Develop strong, stable core and tone upper body
Improve flexibility, posture, balance and strength

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Resistance Bands Exercise Training Set | Aylio Body Toning, Fat Burning Tube Fitness System

Steve — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:07:22 +0000

Resistance band training has become a popular approach to building long, lean muscle (rather than bulk), general conditioning and injury rehab. This convenient method provides an effective workout without the need for a set of dumbbells or an expensive strength training machine.

This set from Aylio uses unique metal clips for quick and easy difficulty adjustment. By attaching up to four bands to the removable handles, resistance can be adjusted from 5 to over 50 pounds. Aylio uses high quality rubber latex tubing for strength and durability.

These bands can be used with the P90X system, although the tension level may be too light for some of the more advanced and rigorous workouts.

This is a complete set — you won’t need to buy additional pieces to take full advantage of this system. With the included door attachment you can perform over 100 exercises with varied routines for individual body parts.

This Resistance Band Training Set includes:
1 Low Strength Blue Tube
1 Medium Strength Red Tube
1 High Strength Yellow Tube
1 Ultra Strength Black Tube
1 Pair of Handles
1 Pair of Ankle Straps
1 Door Attachment
1 Carrying Pouch

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Video Demonstration

Terrell Owens Introduces New Gym System | Elastic Resistance Bands For Strength, Speed or Rehab

Steve — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:00:37 +0000

Terrell Owens has teamed up with Bodylastics to create the Super Strong Man Edition elastic resistance system. T.O. claims it helps him achieve better strength, speed and explosiveness on the field and prefers elastic bands to free weights.

Elastic resistance training is designed to isolate and work the muscle so that it reacts with better speed and quickness. It also reduces the risk of injury and is ideal for injury rehabilitation.

This package allows you to perform over 140 top gym exercises using resistance levels up to 254 pounds. Bodylastics systems are used by many other professional athletes, personal trainers and even the US military.

Included with the Terrell Owens Super Strong Man Edition is a 76 page book that highlights over 125 separate muscle building, body toning exercises. Each of the exercises depicted is bio mechanically correct and moves with the natural function of the muscle.

Also included is lifetime access to the Bodylastics online university (regular price – $9.95/month) where you can get video coaching for over 140 exercises.

Terrell Owens Super Strong Man Edition Product Details

Perform over 140 Exercises
Surgical Grade Elastic Bands
Solid Metal Aluminum Clips
76 Page User Manual
Terrell Owens Workout & Diet Guide
Circuit Training DVD
Travel Bag
6-week Visible Results Guarantee
Lifetime Defects Warranty

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Video Demonstration

GoFit Ultimate ProGym with DVD | Go Anywhere, Train Anytime Portable Travel Home Gym

Steve — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:07:59 +0000

The key benefits of this system are the portability that allows you to take it on the road and the ability to easily add or subtract resistance. It’s actually possible to get an adequate full body workout using this little gym-in-a-bag

The GoFit Ultimate ProGym offers 7 levels of resistance created by using different combinations of the tube strengths. You can effectively build size and strength or increase muscle definition. The set includes two handles, three resistance tubes, two ankle straps, one door anchor, an exercise wall chart and renowned fitness model and personal trainer Lynda Leene’s own 25 minute workout on DVD. A mesh carry bag is included for storage or travel.

This system cannot not compete with top of the line home gyms — but it’s portable — and for under 30 bucks provides a fun yet challenging way to stretch, tone and tighten your body.

Compare to Bodylastics Compact Gym