This Outside the Gym

by: Lisa Truesdale

Treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes are great go-to exercise equipment, but they’re neither portable, easy to store, nor affordable—and how many among us have resorted to using them as extra closet space once in a while?

Resistance bands are the exact opposite; they’re the least expensive, lightest, most portable and convenient exercise tools out there. SPRI is a pioneer in the rubber-resistance market, having first introduced Xertube and Xercise Bands in the 1980s and continuing to improve the products over the years to be even more advanced, comfortable, and durable.

With resistance bands, there’s no excuse for not getting in a workout, even when you’re traveling. They tuck right into your suitcase or purse, a desk drawer, or the trunk of your car, and they can be used just about anywhere:

• When you’re on a business trip and want to unwind in your hotel room after a long day of meetings
• When your flight is delayed and you’re stuck sitting at the airport (ask if the airport has a workout area; most larger airports do)
• When you’re enjoying a relaxing vacation by the beach or pool, and you want to work off all the hours spent relaxing with a book and an umbrella drink
• When you’re in your office and it’s lunchtime or break time
• When you’re watching the kids play on the playground at the park
• When you’re in your family room catching up on all your recorded TV shows

Resistance Band Tips:

• Always choose the right resistance band level for your level of fitness. SPRI’s rubber-resistance products are color-coded to indicate the level of resistance. Yellow (Very Light) products offer the least amount of resistance, so they’re great for beginners. Purple (Ultra Heavy) products offer the most resistance.
• Resistance-band movements should always be smooth and controlled; never move so quickly that the band snaps back into place.
• Keep your bands stored out of direct sunlight. Always check the bands for rips or other damage before beginning your workout.

Resistance Band Exercises You Can Do Anywhere:

All of SPRI’s rubber-resistance products come with a handy exercise guide, but here are a few to get you started:

SIDE STEP

Start: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Place tubing securely under feet and bend knees slightly. Grasp handles, bend arms, and position hands in front of shoulders.

Finish: Slowly step out and away from side of body with one leg and position foot firmly on floor. Keep upper body stationary and toes pointed forward. Return to start position and repeat. After one set of 8-12 repetitions, switch sides and repeat. Complete 1-3 sets on each side.

BENT-OVER ROW

Start: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Place tubing securely under feet, bend knees, and hinge forward at the waist. Cross and grasp handles, and bend arms in front of body with hands positioned directly below shoulders.
Finish: Slowly bend and lift one arm up and back while rotating slightly at the waist. Keep wrist firm and lower body stationary. Return to start position and repeat.. After one set of 8-12 repetitions, switch sides and repeat. Complete 1-3 sets on each side.

ARM CURL

Start: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, then move one foot slightly in front of the other to achieve a staggered stance. Place tubing under front foot and soften knees. Grasp handles and position arms at sides of body.
Finish: Bend arms to bring hands up to shoulder height. Keep wrists firm and elbows at sides. Return to start position and repeat. After one set of 8-12 repetitions, switch sides and repeat. Complete 1-3 sets on each side.