When it comes to resistance training, you don’t always need tons of equipment.
Some powerful tools are small, simple, and inexpensive.
Fitness bands have been common in physical therapy offices, gyms and fitness studios for a long time. They gained popularity in homes during the pandemic. They’re still a low-cost, lightweight option for resistance training, which is crucial for people over 50.
Staying strong is essential for staying independent, performing daily tasks and enjoying sports and hobbies. Resistance training – or weightlifting – is necessary to maintain muscle, strengthen bones, and prevent falling.
You can buy resistance bands for cheap online and in many stores. You can keep them at home, pack them in a bag, or take them outside.
Bands are made of plastic, rubber or fabric, and provide different levels of resistance. You can use bands for arm curls, presses, seated rows, squats and all kinds of stretches, moving at your own pace.
Bands help with muscular endurance and joint stabilization, says the National Academy of Sports Medicine. They help you move in multiple planes of motion and achieve greater range of motion.
Talk to us about strength training, including resistance bands and the safe, effective activities we can use to get you stronger.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.