Resistance bands are an excellent way to tone and shape the body. For those who are looking to sculpt and add definition, resistance band training is effective. Additionally, resistance bands are inexpensive, easy to use, do not require large storage space, and can easily be taken on the road when traveling. You can perform all of the same exercises that you would take at your local health club or gym with resistance bands as well. This enables those who prefer to work out in the comfort of their own home to enjoy the same benefits as those who work out at gyms.

Learning how to workout with resistance bands is easy and simple. The exercises are also safe and easy and use gentle resistance. In fact, resistance band training is so safe and gentle that rehabilitation therapists, to help strengthen muscles after serious injury, often use it. It is always best, however, to consult with your health care provider before beginning any weight loss or fitness regimen and resistance band training is no exception. Those who have joint pain, arthritis, or heart conditions should speak to their health care providers and get his or her approval before beginning any program.

Resistance bands are color-coded and each color provides a different level of resistance. The band’s manufacturer will have a detailed listing of the resistance provided by each band. Choose your bands accordingly and don’t select a greater resistance band until you are ready to progress to the next level. For those who are using lighter weight bands, you might find that you can perform up to 25 repetitions of each exercise for three sets. Once you progress to greater resistance bands, you can decrease your repetitions to 12 or 15.

Lunges are great exercises for toning and strengthening the glutes, calves, and quadriceps. You can perform lunges with resistance bands and get an excellent workout. To begin, stand with feet hip distance apart. Stand with the middle of the resistance band under one foot and hold the ends of the band with each hand. Place your left foot about two feet behind you and stand on the ball of the left foot. Keep your head, back, and neck in a vertical manner, using your core for support. Holding onto the resistance bands lower your body in a perpendicular motion to the floor, until your right thigh is parallel with the floor. Keep the body straight and return. Perform 15 repetitions for 3 sets, and then repeat with the other leg.