Workout with an Exercise Band

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

16 May 2006 05:30 PM

Do you have an exercise band? I actually like my exercise band and I used it a great deal when I first got back into Yoga. An exercise band can help you work on your flexibility and increase your options for range of motion, even if you can reasonably perform the exercise. Exercise bands are also great for just doing workouts whether you are in the office or on the road. When I travel, one of the first things I put into my suitcase is my exercise band because whether they have a gym or not, I will get in some exercise while on my vacation.

Another great facet of using an exercise band is that you can turn a regular floor workout in your home into a resistance workout you could get on a machine in a gym. An exercise band costs less than $20 and provides you with plenty of options. Storage space is easy too - it fits right into a drawer in your dresser or in your kitchen.

If you want a more guided form of workout with your exercise band, you can view the Pilates Body Band Workout video. It provides you with plenty of shoulder; abs and legs shaping moves and all of them use an exercise band. Imagine a full gym workout for just a few dollars - for the frugal minded person who wants to get into an exercise routine this a great addition to your walking or cycling.

For a few more ideas, here are some easy to perform exercises with your exercise band. All you need is a little clear space; the exercise band and an exercise mat if you want.

Put Some Kick Into It Lie on right side with legs extended. Wrap band around ball of flexed left foot. Prop yourself on elbow; anchoring the band with your hand: bring legs forward a bit and lift left leg up. Then slowly press it down, resisting as it lowers. Do 5 to 10 reps.

Fancy Foot Work Lie on back with knees to chest. Keeping feet together, spread knees. Hook band around arches and push legs away at a 45-degree angle off the floor. Do 10 reps. Do 10 more presses with the band around toes and 10 with it around heels.

Pump the Crunch Wrap the band so that it is resting on the arches of your feet, hold an end of the band in each hand. Lie down on your back and crunch upwards lifting your legs and pumping for a count of four, then relax. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Seated Row Sit with your legs straight out and the band hooked around the arches of your feet. Hold an end in each hand and roll back slightly tightening your abs, just as you would with a rowing machine, pull your hands back elbows lightly locked and don't extend past your back. Repeat five to ten times.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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