Resistance bands

sbb4406
sbb4406 Posts: 65
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone :)
I'm really interested in strength training, but weights/lifting are not options for me as I don't have the funds to buy any or access to a gym. So I was thinking about resistance bands since they're pretty cheap. Would they yield similar results if used properly? I know they work muscles in a different way, but does that mean they won't work as well as weights? I somehow already have a few bands that can stack up to 80 lbs of resistance (even the lowest one is way too much for me though lol) so I'm definitely considering buying ones with less resistance to build myself up to what I have now. I just don't know what to expect if I use them.

Semi-related question: when focusing on strength, what should I do about fat? Should I maintain a calorie deficit to slowly lose fat, or what? I know a lot of people on here who lift didn't do a lot of cardio and still lost it just from lifting, would the same work for someone using bands? Or will I need to at least have some cardio?

Replies

  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    bump :<
  • nycegurl74
    nycegurl74 Posts: 26 Member
    bump
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    Anyone? D:
  • mrmarius
    mrmarius Posts: 1,802 Member
    yes IF you get some quality bands.. i got a couple from academy and they helped yeild the results in my profile pic.. bands are still not as good as weights but they offer a flexibility that weights dont. you can take them anywhere as well
  • rbbrrmqn
    rbbrrmqn Posts: 132 Member
    Well, I know this was not exactly your (?), but can I recommend: Gold's Gym brand (bought at Wal-Mart) Resistance Tube Kit (about $15)? It has 3 cords red, blue, black, for light, med, tough resist and you can clip 1, 2, or all 3 onto the handles. Comes with a DVD and chart to show you--I LOVE my set--GOOD LUCK!!!
  • 1a1a
    1a1a Posts: 761 Member
    Have no thoughts on resistance bands, although I use them for turbofire (and free weights for 30 day shred/ripped in 30). I will recommend circuit training though, it combines strength with cardio giving a nice 2 for one. Both the aforementioned Jillian workouts are examples of circuit training.
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    i am not understanding 80 lbs from bands.

    i am not sure what your overall goal is?

    weight loss = calorie deficit
    muscle gain = calorie surplus
    strength gain = calorie surplus after a while of first starting a strength training program

    maintain muscle and lose fat = lifting heavy, small calorie deficit

    strength bands are ok, but will only get you so far. you wont look like jillian michaels from strength bands.

    of course you can lose weight just from lifting, as long as you are on a calorie deficit. lifting is important when trying to lose fat. So you wont lose muscle mass.
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    Yeah, I'm not really looking to get ripped or anything like Jillian. I just want to lose fat and be stronger, and not end up being "skinny fat" lol.
  • chickybuns
    chickybuns Posts: 1,037 Member
    Yes, resistance is resistance.
  • OSC_ESD
    OSC_ESD Posts: 752 Member
    If your going to " buy " more bands ... Why not just buy a 15lb - 20lb kettlebell and get a good weight workout each night focusing on different areas. One kettlebell is all you need for a total body workout. If you are looking to lose fat / weight ... a good diet is very important with a few days of cardio each week. Strength is built from your core and developing your muscles, you can eventually turn fat into muscle .... but I would encourage you to implement a routine that targets all areas. :)
  • pdworkman
    pdworkman Posts: 1,342 Member
    You could also try bodyweight exercises. Whatever is fun for you!

    Pam
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    If your going to " buy " more bands ... Why not just buy a 15lb - 20lb kettlebell and get a good weight workout each night focusing on different areas. One kettlebell is all you need for a total body workout. If you are looking to lose fat / weight ... a good diet is very important with a few days of cardio each week. Strength is built from your core and developing your muscles, you can eventually turn fat into muscle .... but I would encourage you to implement a routine that targets all areas. :)

    I suppose! The thing I like about bands is that if you have the kind with clips on the end, you can put multiple bands on the handles and add more resistance whereas with a kettlebell I'm just stuck with that weight unless I buy another one. I'll look into them though :)

    Thank you everyone for the replies.
  • albedo
    albedo Posts: 1
    I like resistance bands but don't use them to replace weights. You might also consider using your own body weight as "weights" by doing lunges, squats and pushups. Those will help build more muscle to burn off the calories.
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    don't buy them for less than $15 from a seller in china. JUUUUUUSSSSTTTT trust me on this one.

    sincerely,
    Patch-eye McTarnahan.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I've started playing around with resistance bands to supplement my body weight exercises for my strength training. While not the same as good ole iron, they seem to be good enough for now. I forget which set I got, I think they were around $40-50.
  • leenites
    leenites Posts: 166 Member
    I rather have dumb bells if I can afford them but I could not.
    So I stick to resistance bands. It's ok. Not the perfect substitute but it IS light and I bring it with me when I travel. Easier than carrying 15lbs of weights in my luggage and pay for overweight luggage. haha.
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