When it comes to strength training, most of us stick to the usual free weights at the gym - or, if we're feeling brave and energetic, we may venture to the free motion machines. What you don't see a lot of is work with resistance bands. We're often baffled about what resistance bands do and how to use them. What’s more, we’re confused about what brands and types of resistance bands to use. The truth is, they're a great way to work out while you travel or add variety to your usual routine. You can tailor your resistance band training to your own fitness and comfort levels.

Using Resistance Bands

At first, the resistance of the bands may feel different than that of free-weights. With the bands, the tension is constant, which increases the intensity of your workout. Think of resistance bands like cable machines at the gym; they work the same way, only cheaper. You may think your muscles are used to free weights; however, if you use the right level of tension with the bands, your muscle fibers won't know the difference. You can perform the same exercises as you do with free weights; the difference lies in positioning the band. For example, you can stand on the band and grip the handles for bicep curls or overhead presses. You can attach it to a door and do pull downs or tricep push-downs. You can wrap the band around a pole for chest exercises or shoulder rotations. The possibilities are endless. Bands offer more variety because you can create the resistance from all directions. You'll find that there are a variety of resistance bands available and you can usually find them almost anywhere including discount stores (like Wal-Mart or Target), at most sporting goods stores and even at stores that also sell exercise DVDs like Borders or other book stores. If you're looking for more options, you may find you have to order them online.

Show Me The Money

A few tips for buying resistance bands for your workout:

· Buy a variety of bands. Most bands are color-coded according to tension level (i.e. light, medium, heavy, very heavy). It's best to have at least one light, one medium, and one heavy band since different muscle groups will require different levels of resistance.

· Buy comfortable, easy to use bands. Some bands have plastic, interchangeable handles, which may make their use more difficult. Try to buy bands with padded handles and make sure you don't have to change them out.

· Buy accessories. One important key to using bands is having different ways to attach them. You may want a door attachment. You can also buy ankle cuffs, different handles and other accessories.

· Keep it simple. You may find a variety of bands: figure eights, double bands, circular bands, etc. If you're just getting started, stick with your basic long tube with handles. Once you figure out how to use it, you may want to buy other types later for variety.

SPRI is a very high-quality brand of resistance bands. They offer a huge variety of other types of bands if you're interested. Nike and Therabrand are other high-quality brands of resistance bands, which I recommend highly. No matter what brand you use, keep your resistance band workout comfortable and safe. Painful, unsafe exercise serves no purpose except providing injury and muscle pain. Employ these tips on what brands of resistance bands to buy and how to use them, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy toned body!