Since the official reboot of the site for 2020, I’m going to try to write articles that even people without access to a gym can enjoy.  I’m working on getting Automatic Slim to submit an article for his new post covid cardio routine, but today I wanted to focus on something I have never used before quarantine; resistance bands.

Now, let me first say this: you will not get the same workout from a resistance band that you would from free weights.  Machines and bands simply cannot replicate what the iron does to your body.  That said, there is a place for auxiliary tools we can use to push ourselves further.

Resistance bands are  giant rubber bands that offer different levels (pounds) of resistance when you work out with them.  I personally like them because like a cable machine, there is constant tension on your muscle.  Its easy to let gravity take over and drop the weights when using the iron.  Bands keep you locked in on the mind/muscle connection throughout the entire ROM.  I got a set of 40lb and 80lb resistance bands from a local sporting goods store.  You can pick them up online as well. I recommend going with a set of bands in the $40-$65 dollar range.  If you’re supporting 80lbs of resistance, you don’t want some cheap piece of shit snapping in you face. I also like them because they don’t take up a lot of space and don’t make a lot of noise (good for you city folk)

The “Lifts”

You can train biceps, triceps, calves, quads, hamstrings, shoulders, abs etc.  The video below shows the full range of lifts you can do with resistance bands.  I want to stress again, that this is not optimal bodybuilding training, but these are difficult times for gym goers.  Getting up and doing a workout with the bands will give you a decent pump, get you into a routine and boost the mental benefits of pushing your muscles to failure.

I have been using the bands in my workout alongside my free weights and cable machine.  Let me know in the comments if you guys buy some of these and how you like them.

J. Nyx