Resistance bands have been around for a while, but it stood out when it was recently used as a fitness tool. There are many fitness tools through the modern age that have claimed to be the next big thing, and yet most of them tend to be just fads. 

In comparison, resistance bands have been low key, but they have become a mainstay in thousands of home gyms across the globe. What is it exactly about resistance bands that make them so popular for the fitness-obsessed out there? In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the benefits of using resistance bands and the workouts you can do with them.

Benefits of Resistance Bands

1. Ease of Use

Resistance bands are a simple fitness tool. There aren't any locks to lock or switches to switch, it's just a length of tough, elastic rope. Most workouts just involve simply stepping on the rope or holding it down with your hands. The ease of use compared to other complicated fitness tools is what makes resistance bands a mainstay of home gyms.

2. Easy to Carry

Resistance bands are quite compact and lightweight, meaning you can bring it just about anywhere. Lugging around dumbbells is just impractical and dangerous, so in lieu of that, resistance bands can be your "weight training" if you are exercising on the road.

3. Safe to Use

Resistance bands require less effort on the joints whilst providing the same amount of muscle activity. This is great for people with existing joint problems or injuries. 

4. Utility

Resistance bands can add an element of strength training to any workout. Push-ups, stretching and sideways movements are some of the exercises you can enhance using resistance bands.

Note: Resistance bands are not a replacement for dumbbells. It's great for activating muscles on the go, but dumbbells perform a different function for your workout than resistance bands do.

Resistance Band Workouts

1. Band Push-Up

Simply wrap the bands around your hands, then put it behind your back. From there, just do regular push-ups. The elastic bands provide resistance to your push-ups, amplifying the effect on your muscles.

2. Band Arm Curls

Step on the band and grip both ends of the elastic band. From there, just do the curling motions you would with normal bicep curls. 

3. Band Crunches

Hook the band around your feet while in an ab crunch position. Make sure to not use the recoil of the band to bring yourself to your starting position. This workout should be done slowly.

4. Band Squats

Step on the band and coil it around your hands as well. From there, just do regular squats. Make sure that you feel resistance from the bands when you do this, and adjust accordingly.

5. Seated Band Rows

Sit and stretch your legs out then wrap the band around your feet. Grab the end of the band, then pull your arms behind you. Make sure that your back is straight while rowing because this workout is meant to strengthen your back and shoulders.

Conclusion

Aim for 10-15 repetitions of each workout listed above. There are several kinds of bands available on the market, with their colors signifying their resistance levels. Pick one that bests suits you!