by Bob Elderberry

Reshape Your Biceps With Resistance Bands

The bicep is an important muscle for both women and men. Useful for lifting, well defined and shapely biceps are appealing and look great. There are several ways to exercise your biceps and you can use resistance bands instead of free weights to get excellent results. Many people are turning away from free weights because they are heavy, take up too much space and are awkward to store and carry, while resistance bands offer the same benefits they are much easier stored and carried.

When traveling, it can be difficult to bring free weights to ensure that you continue your bicep workouts. Resistance bands are compact and can be easy to store away in your luggage. Make certain that you do not neglect your biceps workout just because you are on the road. With several bicep exercises to choose from, you can mix up your workouts and ensure that your biceps continue to get the strengthening and toning work that they need.

When beginning any health, diet, or exercise program it is a good idea to speak with your heath care provider first. Those who have had shoulder or elbow injuries, suffer from chronic joint pain, or struggle with arthritis should discuss the use and benefits of resistance training with their health care provider. It is important to recognize the warning signs of pain and never push yourself to the point of injury. Yet, most health care providers agree that exercise is the best way to prevent the debilitating effects of arthritis and other joint related conditions. Use a lighter resistance band when just beginning and aim for 3 sets of 25 repetitions. When you can complete these easily and effortlessly, progress to the band that provides the next level of resistance. Bands usually come in many different colors to show their strength levels so you know what pound each resistance band is.

There are a variety of ways to perform bicep curls with resistance bands, including seated and standing. Choose the exercise that you feel most comfortable with or mix and match routines to ward off boredom. Seated bicep curls can be performed on the floor or mat, in a chair, or on an exercise ball. Standing bicep curls can be accomplished by standing on the middle of the band or by affixing the band to a door or other steady piece of furniture, door, or equipment. No matter which method you prefer, you will find that performing bicep curls is an excellent way to keep the arms toned.

To perform standing bicep curls with resistance bands take your band and place the middle of the band on the floor. Stand on it with feet hip distance apart. Keep the knees at a comfortable bend, not flexed and grip the ends of the bands with each hand, palms facing up. With elbows kept close to the body, bring the hands in towards the shoulders. The key in performing correct biceps curls is to keep the body stabilized throughout the movement. You might find that squeezing the shoulder blades gently towards each other will keep your shoulder area stabilized. Bicep curls are an important exercise and with resistance bands you can perform them simply and easily.

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by Bob Elderberry

Reshape With Resistance Bands: Triceps Extensions

There are many benefits to using resistance bands including the fact that they are flexible, inexpensive and simple to use, and can give you the same results you would get if you worked out in a gym or health club. There are many body parts that resistance bands are particularly effective on and one of the most difficult areas to target are the triceps. With resistance bands, you can tone and shape your triceps without needing to use any complicated machines or exercise equipment.

When using resistance bands always make sure to check the bands for any tears or rips. The band should be in good condition. Remember to breathe when exercising and let your movements flow in a smooth, graceful manner. Some people hold their breath and make the mistake of letting the resistance band snap back after each movement. This can cause unnecessary strain on the muscles as well as the band. Control the band with each movement to ensure the longevity of the resistance band and to get the best results from each exercise. If you find it hard to control the resistance band then you might need to drop to a lower level of resistance. It is very important that you are able to control the band, because without control you can harm your body, strain muscles or actually injure your arm or whatever part of the body you are using the band on.

Selecting resistance bands might seem confusing, but it shouldn’t be. The bands are color coordinated with each color signifying a different weight of resistance. Check with the manufacturer’s recommendations for identification of each band and its resistance level. Start off with a lower resistance level and work your way to more resistance.

The overhead triceps extension is a very effective exercise that helps eliminate the area underneath the arm. For older women, the triceps is often difficult to tone and is visibly seen as a flap that moves when a woman waves her arms or hands. The triceps extension will help firm and define that area without the need for heavy or expensive exercise equipment.

Begin the triceps overhead extension by keeping your left arm alongside your body, with the hand comfortably by your hip. Grip one of the ends of the resistance band in your left hand. If you feel that the band is too long, shorten the length by wrapping it around a bit and then gripping the excess length with your left hand. With the right hand, grip the other end of the resistance band and extend the right arm directly over your head. Keep the elbow of the extended arm close to the side of your head while you control the movement. You should not feel as if the band is going to snap out of your hand, but rather feel as if every movement is completely controlled. When your right hand is completely extended, return to the starting position and repeat the movement for 3 sets of 15 repetitions. When finished, alternate arms and repeat the exercise with the left hand reaching overhead, holding the band alongside the body with the right hand.