You know that building muscle is important, but you don’t need machines or hand weights to reap the benefits of a full strength training workout. Resistance bands are just as effective… for many reasons, including:

• Portability. You can easily pack a band in your briefcase or suitcase for exercise while traveling.

• Better coordination. Since there’s tension during all the movements, you have to stabilize your body. This helps with coordination and balance while involving more muscle groups.

• Variety. With weights, you’re limited to specific numbers in terms of lifting. But a resistance band lets you adjust position in multiple ways to get the feel that’s right for you. This changes how your body works and how an exercise feels.

• Cost. Bands are very low cost when compared to other pieces of home exercise equipment.

• Personal ability. Depending on how you use them, bands are a good fit for beginners, intermediates, and advanced exercisers. You can use them for basic moves or to add intensity to traditional moves.

Work out with bands 2-3 times a week to improve strength, flexibility, prevent injury, and complement your aerobic activities.