Dumbbells, bars, medicine balls, kettlebells, rubber bands, abdominal wheel… The options regarding fitness equipment to work strength They are very varied and can be adapted to the preferences and condition of each person. However, for trainer Caroline Idiens there is a clear winner when it comes to versatility and practicality. And the coach assures that «the resistance band is the best accessory to carry in your suitcase this summer».

«I constantly tell my clients to buy a resistance band. But did you know it’s not just for the legs?» he tells us. Thus, the expert reminds us that «There are many exercises where resistance bands are great». And he explains to us that this accessory not only works to work the lower body, strengthening muscles such as glutes and hamstrings, but also serves to tone the muscles of the back, arms, shoulders and core. For the whole body!

Full body routine with band exercises

«A single resistance band allows you to perform a full body routine if you know how,» says Idiens, who gives us some good examples of exercises to get the most out of this material.

• Squats: Place the band above your knees and spread your feet hip-width apart or wider. Maintain band tension at all times.

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• glute bridge: Place the elastic band on your thighs, placing your feet hip-width apart. Raise and lower your gluteus, keeping the band under tension.

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• Quadruped hip opening: Place the band on your thighs, just above your knees, and perform lateral raises of one knee, maintaining a 90º angle. You can also do a glute kick with the elastic band.

• Plank with leg raises: in a high plank with straight arms, raise one leg and the other with the band above the knees, so that it is tense.

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• Back: Place the band in your hands and extend your arms until it is tense. Bring the band towards the ceiling and then bend your elbows, bringing the band behind your back, joining your scapulae.

• Biceps and triceps: To perform a biceps curl with the rubber band you need to step on the band with one foot and rest your opposite knee on the ground. For triceps, hold the band against your shoulder to generate tension.
• Plank with side touches of hands: on a high plank, it consists of moving each hand beyond shoulder width and returning to the position, so that the band has greater tension. It is ideal for working shoulders and core.
• Sit-ups with leg raises: Lying on his back, he raises and lowers his legs with the band on his calves, his hands behind his neck and his head raised off the ground, looking at the sky.

Benefits of training with resistance bands

«You can get a killer full-body workout with the simplest equipment,» emphasizes the expert, who highlights the following benefits of this fitness accessory:

• Is easy to take on a trip anywhere this summer and be able to train like this from anywhere.
• Keeps the muscle in tension constant throughout the exercise.
• It’s great for increase muscle mass and strengththus preventing sarcopenia and keeping the metabolism active.
• Is an accessory that takes care of the jointswhich makes it a versatile material to be used by people of any age and condition.

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