Among all routines that require an equipment, resistance band workouts are probably the most convenient but, nevertheless, effective. Many fitness buffs and professionals commonly use these set of exercises and included it in the P90X workout program. As a regular but important part of any fitness workout program, this has been proven to tone the muscles and condition the whole body. This has also been used as a form of therapy for persons undergoing physical rehabilitation or recovering from muscular injuries. Because it does not require any other piece of implement, this can be performed even at home.

Using the resistance band is what tells the workout apart from the rest. There may be some similarities in the movements and positions as in aerobics but more pressure is applied on the muscles because of the resistance band. The resistance band is, basically, a tubing made of elastic rubber with a handle at each end. The elasticity of the resistance band challenges the muscles when doing the stretches. The resistance it puts up when stretched, is variable depending on the distance of the band’s ends. Therefore, the raising or lowering it depends on the user’s discretion.

One common exercise using the resistance band is the bicep curls. In correctly executing it, the user holds each of the handles with both hands and palms out. He then steps on the resistance band’s mid-length, ensuring that both handles have the same distance from the floor and the same pulling pressure. To maintain his balance he may bend his knees slightly and part his legs wider to provide more tension to the band. He then pulls up each handle with a bicep curl.

Another resistance band exercise is the butt blaster, which is a top choice among women fitness buffs. The user gets on her hands and knees. She then wraps the resistance band around one foot while she holding each handles, making sure that the length of the is equal to the distance between her hands and knees. Then she flexes the foot, on which the resistance band is wrapped, and bends her leg back again. Doing this in repetitions tones the gluteal muscles.

Resistance band workouts are effective in toning the most number of muscles. While weight lifting is more tedious, it is quite limited to the major muscle groups such as those in the arms. With the resistance band used in P90X routine, however, even the minor muscle groups have its share of the workout, providing the user with a more balanced muscle growth.

Injuries caused by using a resistance band have been very seldom, if not unheard of. This is because the pressure applied on one’s muscles is basically within his own control. However, it is beginners are advised to start first with a few repetitions and in less frequency in a week. He should be able to notice soon his developments and would be ready to increase the repetitions after a few weeks of the workout.