A resistance band is an

elastic band A rubber band (also known as an elastic band, gum band or lacky band) is a loop of rubber, usually ring or oval shaped, and commonly used to hold multiple objects together. The rubber band was patented in England on March 17, 1845 by Stephen P ...

used for

strength training Strength training or resistance training involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve strength and endurance. It is often associated with the lifting of weights. It can also incorporate a variety of training te ...

. They are also commonly used in

physical therapy Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient ...

, specifically by convalescents of muscular injuries, including cardiac rehab patients, to allow slow rebuilding of strength.

History

Originating in the early 20th century, the bands were originally made from surgical tubing and the exercises conducted for

muscle Skeletal muscles (commonly referred to as muscles) are organs of the vertebrate muscular system and typically are attached by tendons to bones of a skeleton. The muscle cells of skeletal muscles are much longer than in the other types of muscl ...

rehabilitation, and resistance band training is now used widely as part of general fitness and

. Their flexibility in use and light weight are a significant advantage for many users. Typically, the bands are color coded to show different levels of resistance and users need to select an appropriate level. Code colors vary between brands. Also, available are loop bands, as well as tubing without handles and bands set up with handles (a common option for many purchasers). Some types allow handles to be clipped on the band or loop. Resistance bands are simple to use, and their light weight allows people to easily carry them if travelling and continue with routine sessions for strength training. Although there are many different forms of exercises for the bands, the resistance of the band as well as number of repetitions are the main variables used to lower or increase the intensity of the workout. In 2014, researchers found that the Bench Press and the resistance band Push-up, at similar stress levels, produced similar strength gains.

Types of Resistance Bands

References

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