Bands Exercises

Band Cross-Over

The exercise band cross-over, often referred to as the resistance band crossover, is a great exercise for targeting the chest muscles. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform it: Setup: Attach the resistance bands to a sturdy anchor point at chest height. Ensure the bands are securely fastened to prevent any accidents. Starting Position: Stand facing away from the anchor point with a handle in each hand. Step forward to create tension in the bands. Your arms should be outstretched to the sides with a slight bend in your elbows. This is your starting position. Body Position: Position your feet shoulder-width apart. You can place one foot slightly forward for better balance. Engage your core muscles to keep your body stable and maintain a straight posture. The Movement: Exhale as you bring the handles together in front of you in a hugging motion, keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Your hands should meet in front of your chest, with palms facing each other or slightly downward. Hold the position for a brief moment, squeezing your chest muscles. Return to Start: Inhale as you slowly return your arms to the starting position, maintaining control and tension in the bands throughout the movement.

Band Reverse Fly

A Band Reverse Fly is an excellent exercise for targeting the posterior deltoids, rhomboids, and upper back muscles. It's particularly useful because it can be done almost anywhere with minimal equipment. Here's how to perform the exercise correctly: Set Up: Secure the resistance band to a stable anchor point at about chest height. This could be a door, a sturdy pole, or any fixed object. If you don’t have an anchor point, you can hold the band with your hands. Position Yourself: Stand facing the anchor point with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold one end of the band in each hand. If the band isn't anchored, hold the middle of the band in each hand with some tension. Starting Position: Step back to create tension in the band when your arms are extended in front of you at shoulder height. Keep a slight bend in your knees and hinge slightly forward at the hips. Engage your core to maintain a stable position. Your arms should be extended straight in front of you, with your palms facing each other or slightly downward. Execution: With a slight bend in your elbows, pull the band apart by moving your arms out to the sides. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your movements controlled and focus on using your upper back and shoulder muscles to move the band. Ending the Movement: Continue pulling until your arms are out to the sides and in line with your shoulders, forming a "T" shape with your body. Hold for a brief moment to maximize the contraction. Return to Starting Position: Slowly return your arms to the starting position in a controlled manner, maintaining tension in the band throughout the movement.

Band Lateral Raise

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; stand on a band so that it is evenly distributed to be pulled by each arm. 2.) Grab the handles and keep you arms down and rested at your side. 3.) Then using your shoulders, raise the hands above your sides so that they are at shoulder level then lower the handles back down to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Band Alternating Bicep Curl

The alternating biceps curl with band exercise will use either an exercise band or bungee for resistance to help strengthen the bicep muscle. Steps : 1.) Start by placing an exercise band under your feet and hold the handles palms forward in your hands. 2.) Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and your abs drawn in. 3.) Curl your arms up and down in an alternating motion, keeping your body straight, and isolating the bicep muscle. 4.) As you become comfortable with the motion, increase your speed. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Band Shoulder Press

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; stand on a band so that it is evenly distributed to be pulled by each arm. 2.) Grab the handles and press your arms up so that they are at shoulder level. 3.) Then using your shoulders, raise the hands above your sides so that they are above your head then lower the handles back down to the starting position. 4.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Band Hip Lift

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; take a band and secure it underneath two dumbbells so that they wont move. 2.) Move your body so that your hips are right under the bands and set up for a basic sit up position with your knees up and feet firm on the floor. 3.) Keep your hands extended behind your head. 4.) Push your shoulders to the floor as you raise your hips and extend the band as high as possible. 5.) Hold onto the position for a few seconds and return to the start. 6.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Band Squat

The band squat exercise is the version of the squat that uses exercise bands to increase resistance and flexibility instead of using weights. Steps : 1.) Start off standing with your feet on the exercise bands with your feet shoulder width apart. 2.) Grab onto the handles of the bands and pull them up to your shoulders in a slow and controlled motion. 3.) With your abs drawn in, squat down until your thighs are parallel with the floor. 4.) Slowly return to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Band Upright Row

The band upright row exercise is a great alternative to the upright row that uses dumbbells or barbells and is great for beginners or individuals just rehabilitating from injury as the bands allow you to control the resistance level. Steps : 1.) Stand on the band so that the handles are level with your upper thigh. 2.) With your back straight and abs drawn in raise your hands upward to your collarbone. 3.) Your elbows and arms should be parallel with the floor. 4.) Slowly lower your arms and return to starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Band Bench Press

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off with placing a band under the leg of the bench where your head will be resting. 2.) Following this placement, lie down flat on a flat bench and push your arms forward so that you have the handles in front of you at your shoulder width. 3.) Then bring the handles down as if you are doing a normal barbell bench press. 4.) Right before you are about to touch your chest, squeeze your pectorals and hold the position for a few seconds and return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Band Upright Row

The exercise band row is a compound bilateral exercise that works various aspects of the back and shoulder. Steps: 1.) Begin by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart, knees soft and core engaged. 2.) Using both hands, pull the band handles in towards your outer chest, pause for a 1-2 count. 3.) Slowly return to where arms are fully extended and repeat for desired repetitions.

Band Good Morning

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off standing on a band, wrapping it around your neck and making sure that it is evenly distributed for stretching in each arm. 2.) Bend at the knees and extend down with your hips then straighten out your legs and come to a vertical position. 3.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed

Band Calf Raise

The band calf raise exercise uses a band to create resistance in the calf muscle Steps : 1.) Start by standing up straight with your toes on an exercise band and raise the handles up to your shoulders. 2.) Raise up on your toes, keeping your hands up by your shoulders, feeling a stretch in your calf muscles. 3.) Pause for a moment and then lower your heel to the floor. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and sets as desired.

Posterior Tibialis Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start in a seated position and take either a belt, rope or band and loop it around one of your feet. 2.) Extend both legs out in front of you, then take the belt that is wrapped around the foot and pull it until your foot becomes everted. 3.) You will want the outside of that foot being pulled towards you and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. 4.) Return back to the starting position and repeat for as many reps, sets and however long you desire.

Band Quad Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting on the ground and looping a band, rope or belt around one foot. 2.) Twist your body over to your stomach and lay flat face down on the floor and flex the knee with the band wrapped around it, keeping the other fully extended behind you. 3.) By pulling on the band, your hip and knee should come up off of the floor creating tension in your quads and hip flexors. 4.) Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and return to the starting position. 5.) Repeat for as many reps, sets and however long you desire.

Band Calf Raise

Steps : 1.) To begin this exercise; start off with taking an exercise and standing on it with equal amount of band on both sides. 2.) Taking the handles of the bands, elevate your arms towards the side of your head so that the bands tighten up. 3.) Then while leaving your hands by your head, stand on your toes and squeeze tightly on your calves. 4.) After holding on for a few seconds, release and go back to the starting position with your hands still by your head. 5.) Repeat this exercise for as many repetitions as needed.

Band Hamstring Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start by laying with your back flat on the ground with one leg extended above you and the other kept straight and flat on the floor. 2.) Take either a belt, rope or exercise band and loop it around the ball of your foot, then pull on the belt to put tension on your calves and hamstrings. 3.) Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds then return to the start. 4.) Repeat for as many reps and however long you desire.

Standing Hamstring and Calf Stretch

Steps : 1.) Begin by taking either a band, rope or belt and wrapping it around one of your feet and place it forward. 2.) Bend your back leg while keeping the front one straight and raise your front toes up off of the floor. 3.) Lean forward with your upper body and then pull on the rope attached to your front foot to increase the stretch in your calf. 4.) Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds then return back to the starting position. 5.) Repeat with the other foot and repeat this stretch for as many reps, sets and however long you desire.

Band Seated Calf Stretch

Steps : 1.) Start by sitting up straight with your legs extended out in front of you. 2.) Slowly bend one knee back toward you and placing your foot on the floor to stabilize your body. 3.) With the other leg keep it extended and flex your ankle so that the toes are pointed in towards your body. 4.) Either using an exercise band, towel, belt or even your own hand pull your toes towards you until you feel a stretch in your calves and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. 5.) Return to the starting position and repeat for as many reps, sets and duration as desired.