From fitness enthusiast to fitness spectator, nearly everyone has seen or heard about power bands. A quick scroll through the fitness side of Instagram and Twitter will show you so many people using their bands in a whole host of ways.
It may leave you scratching your head at first - I mean, what's so great about a piece of latex? What does that add to your workout? I had the same questions when I first encountered them and did a bit of research. There's so much information to cover when it comes to power bands that I compiled it all and put it into this article. So, continue reading, and maybe by the end, you'll love them as much as we do here at McSport!
What are power bands?
The power band can be dated as far back as the early 1900s, with the first ones being made from surgical tubing for rehabilitation purposes. Once only used by physical therapists, in the 1990s, they made their debut into the fitness market and are now a staple in any home and commercial gym. This new form of training has become popular among fitness professionals in recent years and is now seen as the new, budget-friendly alternative to heavyweight equipment.
More commonly known as resistance bands, power bands are productive, flexible, inexpensive, and mobile training tools that can significantly enhance an athlete's exercise regime whilst also effectively furthering their rehabilitative process. The surge in the popularity of resistance bands amongst athletes results from several factors, including the variety of muscles you can work, how safely you can add them into your workout, and how easy they are to bring with you.
What kind of bands can you get?
There are a few things to consider before delving into the types of resistance bands you can get. You need to look at the resistance level, the quality of the band, and the different price point for each of them. Sound like a lot of thinking for a latex band? Well, worry not! I’ve done all the hard work for you and looked at all three aspects, so all you have to do is read on and pick the one that suits you the best! How great is that?
Power bands
This is like a giant version of a regular rubber band. It is flat and comes in different lengths. This type of band is used for bodyweight assistance exercises such as pull-ups and dips; bodyweight resistance exercises such as box jumps and bear crawls; physical therapy exercises for people suffering from back, knee, and leg injuries; and a lot more!
They are incredibly versatile and can be used for all aspects of training, whether that be a beginner class or a bodybuilder. They range from 13mm to 83mm of resistance, so you will likely find one that suits your fitness levels with ease.
Resistance bands with handles
This type of resistance band is made to mimic dumbbell exercises. You will need a door or an anchor point for them, so be sure that you have the space to use one before you buy.
These are great for any type of exercise you would do with a dumbbell, such as curls, shoulder presses, and chest presses. They make use of a tubing material and can hit all of your major muscle groups. This is a good option for people who don't have access to a commercial gym or are always on the go. There is up to four different levels of resistance with them, so you are spoilt for choice with this one!
Loop bands
Loop bands are much shorter and broader than the other bands mentioned. They are mainly used to increase strength and stability in your lower body. Placing them above the knee can really help with opening your hips and glutes. Using the loop band for squats, loop bridges, and rowing movements will build up endurance in your legs and hips.
They are made of latex and come in various resistance levels, from 0.3mm to 0.85mm, giving you a different workout with each resistance.
Overall benefits of power bands
No matter what the fitness level, be it beginner, intermediate or pro, power bands will significantly augment your athletic capabilities. To handle such a wide range of fitness levels, power bands come in a variety of resistances. One of their unique characteristics is their ability to prevent repetitive workouts. The bands can be implemented into basically any exercise because of their divergent functions and range of versatility.
Another overall benefit of the power band is that they help you to focus your control. When you first use power bands, you will notice how much your arms shake, trying to hold them steady. They are designed that way so you can focus on controlling your movement and keeping your exercise consistent.
As power bands are so lightweight and easy to take with you, they are the perfect alternative to machines. While using machines are suitable for teaching you proper movement, they can be restrictive and force you to move unnaturally. The resistance band negates that problem by allowing full muscle extension and contraction, giving the best results all the time.
Power bands will promote overall better form as you are in charge of maintaining the tension throughout the workout, which means your last rep will be just as good as your first one, rather than just using the momentum of a machine to get you over the line.
Due to their lightweight and flexibility, power bands are ideal for all fitness enthusiasts. The Hit Fitness Power Bands are particularly effective for those who tend to travel frequently. All you need to do is pop them in your overnight bag, and off you go! The most significant power of power bands is that they can enhance any workout experience, and their versatility enables athletes to incorporate the bands into their current exercises easily.
So, do you love power bands now that you’ve read through all of that? If the answer is yes then shop our range of power bands today, and get started on your fitness journey!
