When it comes to in-home and virtual personal training, long resistance bands are at the top of our equipment list. “Resistance bands may look like nothing more than a few feet of latex or rubber. In actuality, they’re sophisticated pieces of exercise equipment that can improve muscle strength, tone, and flexibility. They’re also affordable and transportable” (Healthline, 2022). Whether a client is highly experienced or new to working out, long resistance bands can elevate their training session. Read on to learn why the Nielsen Fitness team loves to incorporate resistance bands into our clients’ workout routines, and how you can try it yourself!

What we love about resistance bands

VERSATILITY

One of the greatest advantages of long resistance bands is their versatility. They come in varying resistances, making them adaptable to every strength level. On top of this, long resistance bands can be used to target every major muscle group with a single tool. Our in-home personal trainers in Toronto, Collingwood, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa often travel with long resistance bands to provide a variety of exercise options for clients who have minimal or zero equipment.

PORTABILITY

Long resistance bands are perfect for on-the-go workouts. They’re lightweight, take up minimal space, and can easily be packed in a gym bag or suitcase. This makes them an excellent option for frequent travelers, or anyone who wants to exercise outdoors without lugging around bulky equipment.

One of the greatest benefits of online personal training is that you can bring your virtual personal trainer anywhere you go! Pairing virtual personal training with travel-friendly equipment like long resistance bands will keep your exercise consistency on track. Even in-home personal training clients can benefit from a virtual session or two when needed.

PROGRESSION

Long resistance bands provide progressive resistance throughout your movements, meaning the tension consistently increases as you stretch the band further. This allows you to constantly apply the perfect amount of tension throughout any given movement.

“The varying resistance levels allow for customizing the intensity of your workout, and because they provide resistance from all angles, they work your muscles differently than weights bound to gravity-based resistance” (Very Well Fit, 2024). On top of preventing any reliance on momentum when an exercise becomes challenging (a common tendency seen by our in-home and virtual personal trainers), long-band resistance can be adjusted to maintain a full range of motion. Instead of limiting your movement or dropping the resistance entirely – which is easy to do with free weights – you can adjust your grip on the band by simply moving your hands backward to find the appropriate tension. This supports the maintenance and improvement of your overall mobility.

LOW IMPACT

“Learning how to use a resistance band is relatively easy, and this kind of strength training is excellent for all fitness levels because it is low impact” (Live Science, 2022). Because long resistance bands are so adjustable, they can be easier on your joints compared to free weights or machines. The amount of stress placed on your muscles is entirely up to you because it’s based on how much resistance you place on the band, while a 10-pound dumbbell will always weight 10 pounds. The control created by the continuous tension can also help strengthen stabilizing muscles, which will improve your balance and coordination. This makes long resistance bands ideal for those with injuries or joint conditions. Our in-home and virtual personal trainers often apply these methods with our older adult clientele.

ACCESSIBILITY

In terms of cost, long resistance bands are an affordable alternative to many other forms of gym equipment. A set of heavy weights can be expensive, but a set of resistance bands in varying strengths can be purchased for under 30 dollars. They’re also ideal for those living in a smaller space and may not have room to keep stacks of dumbbells in their home.

FINAL WORDS

Long resistance bands are a simple yet powerful tool for any fitness routine. Whether you’re with your trainer, at the gym, or on the road, these bands offer endless options for strengthening your muscles. Their affordability, joint-friendly nature, and portability make them a must-have for anyone looking to stay fit. So, if you haven’t already, consider adding long resistance bands to your equipment – and if you’re looking for a trainer to take the guesswork out of how to use it, we’re here for you. First workouts are zero pressure, always free and can be booked here.