Guest Post from Clench Fitness:
You may have noticed resistance bands are becoming more popular. However, they still seem to be a misunderstood and underutilized piece of fitness equipment. There are many different types and variations of resistance bands, but they all share the same properties that make them a unique and versatile training tool. Resistance bands create force when they are stretched and that force is not constant. The further you stretch the band, the more force it produces. This makes it fundamentally different from a free weight, where force is generated due to gravity acting upon a large mass (ie. dumbell, barbell, heavy stuff). This simple difference makes band training a lucrative option for those looking to get faster, stronger, and more flexible. Below are five key benefits as to why you should consider adding resistance bands to help maximize training efficiency and add variety to your workouts.
Low joint impact: This is due to the fact that resistance bands have extremely low mass. Because of this low mass, excessive forces are not generated during directional change or the starting/stopping of a movement. This makes resistance bands excellent choices for rehab, mobility, power, and athletic performance exercises where a resistive force is required to improve strength/flexibility while minimizing the risk of injury.
Variable resistance: As stated above, the resistive force increases as bands are stretched. Muscles will often receive greatest resistance during the strongest point in the range of motion. This can be an effective tool for developing power movements, breaking through plateaus, and working on sticking points in certain exercises.
Increased core and stabilizer muscle activation: A tight band will create tension throughout the range of motion in an exercise. This requires increased stabilizer muscle output to maintain control. Try adding resistance bands to your barbell bench press and you’ll notice the difference. Also, since bands don’t rely on gravity to create resistance, it’s possible to do many common exercises while in a standing, one legged, or other balancing position. These positions will help engage the musculature in the abdominal and hip region, which is responsible for balance and stabilization.
Versatility: As shown above, bands can be used for a multitude of different purposes and offer more exercise freedom because you’re not relying on gravity to create resistance. Bands work great for all of the standard gym exercises and behave much like a cable machine. They also work great for speed, agility, and quickness training for athletic performance. They can be used to assist in certain body weight exercises that you may not be able to perform solo, such as pull ups or dips. They can also be used for mobility, stretching, and other flexibility exercises. The list is endless and only limited by your creativity!
Portability: Bands are lightweight, compact, and you can use them virtually anywhere. You can easily carry a full body workout worth of bands in your gym bag, backpack, or suitcase. They are easy to secure to just about anything whether it be doors, squat racks, posts, trees, etc. They also work great for partner/group training.
At Clench Fitness, our approach to resistance bands is simple. Maximize the versatility, portability, and minimize the redundancy. We chose to go with 41” loop style resistance bands because they work great on their own and can also be easily attached to free weight equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. With the addition of the Clench Band Handle and Clench Anchor Strap, you can truly have a high quality workout whether you’re at home, in the gym, or on the road.