SupremeCommander wrote:Markji wrote:SupremeCommander wrote:Markji wrote:I like the Thera-Band elastics (or a strong surgical tubing).
thanks
I'm assuming I need two tubes and four handles per resistance load?
I use the strong surgical tubing because when I started using it, the Thera-Band elastics weren't so available/popular and I travel and live overseas a lot. So it was easy to carry.I don't use handles - I just grab the tubing, sometimes wrap it around my hand for greater grip. I like this because I can work different parts of my arm... meaning a close grip has a shorter arm extension and works the muscle different than a longer length where I can extend my arm all the way out. I hear that handles or door jams can cause the Thera-Band to rip more easily as it causes a point of stress.
My friend uses the 5" wide Thera-Band elastic and he ties a knot at the end so it is easier to grip. I double upinto a loop the black and use that for a lot of exercises. Provides more tension and I am not constrained by handles and specific lengths. Just so many different ways to use it and it is inexpensive so give it a try and see what you think. You are not going to be able to travel with 100lbs of dumbells and equipment.
What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.
I can't get the table to show up correctly so see the URL below.The silver and gold are quite strong.http://www.thera-band.com/faqs_consumer.php
Good stuff. Sounds like you excercise at home quite a bit. What else is in your home gym?
Also, I'm not entirely sure how you are supposed to use either the bands or the tubes. Yout anchor it to something, correct? Or do you step on it? Any good tutorial/FAQs on the web?
Tubes or bands - grab and pull sort of like springs but without handles. There are youtube videos of different exercises using arms or legs.
I don't exercise that much these days but do something everyday. I am in my 60's so strong competitive sports is behind me. I got tennis elbow in the spring - nothing helped - and in the fall I started researching more and realized the tubing would help if I used it a certain way. So I got back into using the tubing and have really liked it. I always feel toned up now. It also has actually helped out my back when I pull having the tubing across my back instead of in front. Stretches out the back.
Mainly, everyday I do yoga asanas and breathing exercises, Transcendental Meditation and every other day pushups, crunches, situps and some other light bending. Most of the time I walk/ride a bike instead of driving. I love running up stairs. Will do some other things when my arm is fully better.
Re: specific programs - As you probably can tell, I like to experiment and find what is best for me. Not into rigid programs these days but I am sure they available.
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