Bands! Bands! Bands!

Free weights, cables, and machines form the bulk of many serious strength programs, but the real secret may be in the add-on tools professional strength coaches use. And, these tools can be used in conjunction with your home gym to increase your results.

Rubber tubing, or resistance bands, have come a long way in the last 10 years. They are now multi-layered, which provides a smoother resistance ramp or transition, and adds significantly to the durability. Another innovation is the development of the “Quick Switch Handle,” which allows you to place the handle on different bands with a flick of a security bar. That lets you have various bands, but one set of handles, easier on the wallet and if a band breaks at some point, you are not replacing the entire band/handle.

Like anything in fitness, one tool can’t do it all. Bands don’t take the place of regular resistance training with a weight stack, cable or free weights. However, they can provide low-cost options to mimic cable exercises and creative movements, so you expand your training tool box.

Are you not sure about resistance training? Start with 4-5 bands and handles and work on basic exercises like chest press, row, and squats. All proven results-based exercises.

Need to workout on a trip, but no gym? A couple of sets of bands and handles and your hotel room becomes the 15-minute workout garage. Both are great reasons to try bands, and the cost is minimal.