Wellness Center's Blog

5 Exercise Band Workouts to Try

By: Stockbridge Wellness Center Staff

October 8, 2024, 10:00 am - Categories: Fitness

Looking for an on-the-go workout? Want to switch up your workout from dumbbells? Exercise bands are a great addition to your workout routine. Whether you’re looking for light resistance or something tougher, people of all fitness levels can break a sweat using exercise bands. Exercise bands with handles can be used for upper-body workouts, while smaller exercise bands can be great for lower-body workouts.

Pull-Apart
This workout is just what it sounds like. Standing straight up with your feet hip-width apart, grab the handles of the band (or the band itself if it’s too long) and put your arms out in front of you. Pull the band apart and then release the tension. This exercise can improve your shoulder stability and mobility. You can also do a variation of this workout by doing an overhead pull-apart.

Bicep Curl
A fun variation of the traditional dumbbell bicep curl, simply place the exercise band under your feet and grab the handles, then pull the band up into a bicep curl.

Banded Bicycle Crunch
You may be familiar with the bicycle crunch from a full-body workout. If you want to increase the difficulty, a simple way is to place an exercise band around your feet. Continue the bicycle crunch as you normally would. Make sure to choose an exercise band with the appropriate resistance.

Standing Banded Squat
Increase the difficulty of your standard squats by incorporating an exercise band. Step into the band and bring it up so that it’s around your lower thighs. Continue your squats as normal, ensuring that you keep your heels on the ground.

Lateral Band Walk
Keep the exercise band where you would have it during the standing banded squat. Engage your core and squat slightly, but instead move side to side. Bring one leg out the side and then step together with the other.

Looking for help with any of these exercises? Our certified personal trainers are here for you. As always, please consult with a doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

REFERENCE:  Mansour, Stephanie. “15 Resistance Band Exercises to Tone Your Body from Head to Toe.” TODAY.com, August 22, 2024. www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/resistance-band-exercises-rcna39798.