Resistance bands have come a long way since their birth in the mid-19th century. I can only imagine some medical students messing around with surgical tubing to make slingshots then realizing their arms were starting to get sore from pulling on the band time and again. Up pops the imaginary light bulb and they start using that same surgical tubing to build up their muscles prior to that Friday night date… LOL! Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly what history says about the birth of exercise bands, but it sounds like a possibility to me! Fast forward a couple of hundred years and bands have become a key tool in not only the physical therapy setting but also the fitness industry, powerlifting world, and athletic training realm. They have evolved from the simple surgical tubing to TheraBand’s, mini bands, bands with handles, bands with straps, bands that attach to your baseball cap… Sorry, a little cat in the hat rhyming going on there, I have kids. In essence, bands have not only changed over time, but they have also changed the way we train and are one of several ways to augment your exercise routine.
Below are some videos demonstrating just a few of the exercises I like to perform with the different styles of bands.
Mini bands:
Great for hip and shoulder stability training. Awesome glute burning circuits, and easiest to take and use anywhere.
TheraBand or Tubing:
Most common in Physical Therapy. Excellent for isolated exercises, and convenient for travel.
Monster Bands:
Wide variety of resistances that can compete with or accommodate barbell and dumbbell weight training programs. Can be used for full-body training as well as joint mobilization techniques.
Thanks for putting up with my humor. I hope you’ve learned a little something about exercise bands. If you are willing and able, please give some of these exercises a try. Of course, check with your doctor, therapist, or trainer first if you’re not quite sure about the movement or your form. If you would like to speak with one of our Physical Therapists about these exercises, schedule an appointment online or give one of our clinics a call today!