Resistance bands do not provide the same challenge as free weights or weight machines. With dumbbells, you know how much weight you are lifting and when to move on to the next level of weights. With resistance bands, you don't know how much "weight" it is; you only judge the intensity of the workout by the tension on the bands. Some bands provide more tension than others, allowing you to continue moving up to the next level as you do with free weights.

Helpful Resources: Choosing and Using Exercise Bands This web site provides you with information on how to choose and use exercise bands. You can also link to several other articles on how to use exercise bands for a workout routine. Types of Resistance Bands This web site discusses all the different types of resistance bands. You can view figure 8 bands, fit loop, ring, clip tube, therapy, and fit tube bands. It also provides you with information on how to purchase resistance bands. Resistance Bands If you are looking for some resistance band exercises, this is a great web site. This web site discusses how resistance bands are used for physical therapy and how the help to strengthen your muscles. Purchasing Resistance Bands This is a great web site for anyone who is looking to purchase resistance bands. You can view several types of resistance bands from figure 8 to the normal fit tube bands and you can purchase them directly from this site. Online Resistance Band Workouts If you are ready to move up to the next level of fitness with resistance bands, then this is the web site for you. This site offers a wide selection of different resistance bands that you can purchase online. Challenging Resistance Band Workouts If you feel that you have reached your maximum level of resistance with your resistance band routine, then you need to go to this site. It provides you with challenging resistance band workouts that are sure to get your muscles working. Tone Muscles With Resistance Bands Several body builders are using resistance bands as a way to tone up their muscles in a hurry. This web site discusses why resistance bands are becoming popular among body builders and why you should try them. Beginner to Exercise Bands If you are a beginner to exercise bands, then you need to go to this web site. It discusses how resistance bands work and what you need to know about resistance bands before you begin using them. Resistance Band Work Outs This web site provides great information about resistance band workouts. It looks at the positives and negatives of free weights and how resistance bands are catching fire across the country. Buying Resistance Bands This is a great article about how to use resistance bands. It provides you with several workout routines that will help tone and shape your body in a hurry. It also has tips on buying resistance bands.

For a first time user of resistance bands, you might be a little confused. Unlike free weights, resistance bands are not restricted to just one movement. Resistance bands can go in any direction you choose. The largest difference between free weights and resistance bands is the positioning of the band. Resistance bands can perform practically any exercise. Many people prefer to stand on the band and pull up for overhead presses, bicep curls, and arm bars. You can shorter the length of the resistance band by allowing it to bunch more in the middle between your feet.

If you have never tried resistance bands, you're missing out! Resistance bands provide one of the best strength training workouts for half the cost and hardly any space. Several people enjoy resistance bands because they travel well. They are small enough to pack in your suitcase and you can still get a great workout in your hotel room. Many people in the workplace are using resistance bands when they sit at their desk. Again, they can be stored in a drawer and can be used in your office or cubicle.

Resistance bands are becoming more and more popular because they increase coordination. The tension of the resistance band forces your body to stabilize and involve more muscle groups. This helps your body with balance and coordination and builds up smaller muscles that often don't get a proper workout. Resistance bands are also wonderful because of all the different variety they provide. With free weights, you are often limited to just a few exercises. Resistance bands allow you to change your positioning in several different ways during the workout. This helps your body use all the muscles in your body instead of just the core muscle groups.

You can purchase resistance bands practically anywhere for a small cost. Usually resistance bands cost around $6 to $20. Some resistance bands come in packets of ten, others may include a fitness DVD along with it so you will have a good idea of what exercises to perform. Resistance bands have been used by all different types of athletes and just regular people. Again, they provide a quick, effective strength training workout. You can use resistance bands for basic strength training moves or you can increase the intensity for a harder workout.

How to buy resistance bands
If you have used resistance bands in the past, you may have a pretty good idea as to what level of intensity you need. There are a variety of resistance bands available and choosing the right one will put you on the right path for your exercise routine. So how do you decide which bands to purchase? Here are some helpful tips for buying exercise bands:

• Decide what fitness level you are and look for the "color" coded band. Most resistance bands are sold in colors. The colors gauge the level of tension the band provides. Usually the tension level is light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. If you are just starting out you should purchase a variety of bands. Usually you want to have at least 3 bands, light, medium, and heavy. Your arms may require a light resistance band, while your legs need a medium resistance band.
• Feel the handle and make sure it is comfortable and easy to use. Depending upon the brand of resistance band you choose, you may find that the handles are interchangeable. If you do not properly secure the hand, you may wind up with a black eye as you pull up and the handle comes flying off along with your fist! Some handles have harder plastic, which may hurt your hands as you perform the exercises. The best resistance bands are those with padded handles that are not interchangeable.
• Look for accessories. Some resistance bands perform different exercises and require the use of a pole or door handle. Look for a band that has different ways of being attached to things like a pole or handle. Ankle cuffs and door attachments are commonly sold in addition to the resistance band itself.
• If you are just getting started with resistance bands, stick to the simple band. Figure 8 bands, ring and clip tube bands are all for advanced users. Once you figure out if you like resistance bands, then you can try giving the complex bands a try.

There are several types of resistance bands to choose from: fit tube, fit lube, therapy band, clip tube, figure 8, and ring. Here is some information about each of the different resistance bands and how they work. Starting with the fit tube, this band is the most common and considered the "father" of all the other resistance bands. The fit tube band can be used to perform practically any workout you can think of. Fit tube bands are generally 48 inches in length and come in a wide variety of resistance levels. They can range anywhere from $6 to $20.

Fit loop resistance bands look quite different from fit tube resistance bands. The fit loop resistance band is usually 11 inches by 2 inches and lays flat. The fit loop is designed to exercise the legs, buttocks, and hips. Most fit loop bands attach to your ankle and you pull up and down.

Therapy bands are commonly used for anyone who needs physical therapy due to an injury or other circumstances. The therapy band is typically 5 ½ inches wide by 4 feet long. Like the other resistance bands, they come in a variety of resistance levels and are designed to help re-build muscle strength that you may have lost.

Clip tube resistance bands usually come with different attachments. Fit tube therapy bands are used in unison to provide a workout to the lower and upper body at the same time. They come in a variety of sizes and resistance levels.

The figure 8 resistance band can be used for upper and lower body workouts. Commonly they are used for chest pulls and seated rows. Most figure 8 bands come with a door attachment and a workout guide.

The ring resistance band provides a great workout to your lower body. It targets your legs, hips, and buttocks. It is shaped like a ring with handles on opposite sides. Like all the other resistance bands, the ring comes in a variety of resistance levels and costs roughly the same amount of money as the other bands.

If you are a beginner, here are some great beginning resistance band exercises:

• Chest presses. Everyone wants a nice, firm chest. Use your resistance band to tone up your chest in a couple of weeks. Start by wrapping the band around a pole and slide it up to chest level. Now stand with your back against the pole, about 2 feet away and push straight out and then back to your shoulders. Repeat this about 15 times, doing 3 reps with a 30 second break in between reps.
• Squats. Stand on the resistance band, shoulder width apart. Now bend down into a squat and pull the band up into a bicep curl as you do this. Again, you should repeat this 15 times for 3 reps.
• Bicep Curls. Stand on the resistance band, shoulder width apart. Pull up on the resistance band until your arm makes a 90 degree bend; hold this for 3 seconds and release. Like the other exercises you should do this 15 times for 3 reps.
• Triceps extensions. Grab the handles of the cord in one hand and slide your other hand all the way to the bottom on the cord. Place the cord behind your neck and push your arms away from each other. This will give you a great triceps exercise.