Elastic bands are one of the most affordable gym equipment you can get your hands on. Not only are they bought in a lot of stores, but they’re also very easy to use.
Elastic bands are one of the small but versatile tools you can use in order to strengthen your entire body and add a little extra in your everyday workout routine. So without further ado, here are all the simple exercises you can do with your elastic band.
1. Biceps Curl
Bicep curls are one of the most popular moves you can do with your elastic band. All you have to do is step on the middle of the band with your legs shoulder-width apart.
Hold each end of the band with each hand and then slowly curl your biceps as if you are bringing the ends of the band towards your shoulders. When you curl your biceps, make sure that your elbows go close to your chest.
2. Squat and Overhead Press
This exercise is a variation of the biceps curl. Stay in the same position except that you have to move your legs a little wider apart. This makes it easier for you to squat. Holding the ends of the bands, squat and simultaneously lift your hands above your head.
3. Chest Press
Chest presses are often done with gym equipment, but with an elastic band, you no longer have to do that. All you have to do is loop the band in something secure. Make sure that you’re looping it into something that won’t fall off as the band will be pushing it towards you.
To make a chest press, grab each end of the elastic band while facing away from the secure item you looped it to. Then, placing your arms close to your shoulders, pull the band until your arms are stretched in front of you, parallel to the floor.
4. Reverse Crunch
Everyone loves a good core workout. To use your elastic band, simply loop it into a secure item (same as the chest press) and lie down on the floor, hook your feet onto the band and lift it up so that your hamstrings are parallel to the floor and your thighs are perpendicular. Then, use your core and your thighs to pull the band towards your chest.
5. Glute Bridges
Another good core workout is glute bridges. The bridge position is one of the most relaxing poses you can use to cool down, but with an elastic band, it’s going to be a lot tougher.
Just wear the resistance band and put it right over your knees as if your legs were wrapped by the band. Then just lift your hips up following the traditional glute bridge exercise.
With these exercises, you might be wondering if the band will snap. Well, if you bought a good-quality band, then this will not happen.
Elastic bands only break down when they are overused or due to normal wear and tear. And for your safety, make sure that when you use the band, don’t ever release it while you’re still pulling against it.
When you are done with your workout and feel some tension in your muscles, you can use a percussion massager, also known as massage gun to relief the tension. A massage gun is good recovery tool to have your muscles ready for your next workout.
