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I have osteoporosis and feel like I need to do more resistant type exercises. Was wondering where to find more information about the use of resistance bands.
karen698
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Resistance Bands
15 replies
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- Newest first
- By MotherGoose
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 6:43 am
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Resistance bands come in different colors so that you can progress your resistance exercise by advancing to the "stronger" color. We PTs like them because they are safer to use if the band is too strong, you cannot pull it and settle for an easier strength. Folks do not want to appear to be sissies and will often try to lift a free weight that they can struggle with -- to the detriment of their joints, muscles, and posture. Also resistance bands are easier to have around the house -- banging one's toe/foot into a free weight left on the floor is not fun. And for travel -- it's far easier to tuck a band or two into one's bag than add the burden of free weights.
Lucy Buckley PT aka Mother Goose
- By SequoiaHealth
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 8:19 am
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Hi Karen698:
Resistance bands and free weights are both good; they just offer different benefits. Professionally and personally, I like them for their different physical actions and variety. In a complete bone strengthening program, I use and recommend them both. With proper instruction, free weights are just as safe as bands.
Free weights act more like the loads you might carry in real life i.e. groceries, kids, the dog, etc. Bands cannot duplicate those carrying and movement loads as well. Free weights can be used in a variety of dynamic strength and balance exercises, like lunges or single leg balance. It is important to challenge balance during strength training. In real world movements, balance is always a component of strength. Better balance reduces the chance for falls and fracture.
Hope this helps:
Woody McMahon
Reston/Herndon Osteoporosis Support Group Leader
- By vegas53
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 12:23 pm
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where can you find the resistance bands? I would like to try them do you think they would help with the pain I am having between my shoulder blades? I always get such good advice on here.
- By huessysignoret
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 12:28 pm
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I use resistance bands at the same time that I'm walking on the treadmill, so that both my upper and lower body get a workout. This is also great for balance. The treadmill has a band that attaches to my body, and also attaches by velcro to the treadmill, so if I stumble, the treadmill stops immediately (this has never happened.) Sometimes I also use light weights (3 to 5 lbs.) while walking on the treadmill -- again, to get both an upper and lower-body workout. I think you'll enjoy the resistance bands.
- By duzie
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 2:56 pm
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I have seem resistant bands at TJ Maxx. The one that I have came from a Sports Medicine facility.
- By vegas53
- Posted May 12, 2009 at 6:55 pm
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Thanks for the info I will go out and get some and try it. Sounds like a good way to work out. take care
- By April995
- Posted May 13, 2009 at 6:07 am
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I have also seen the bands at Walmart, Big 5.
Most Sporting goods sell them..
You might want to find a book that will show you
how to use Bands properley so you do not harm your
self, and will get the best benifits from them.
April
- By MotherGoose
- Posted May 13, 2009 at 9:42 am
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It would be best to see a physical therapist for this problem. Although it sounds like simple chronic muscle strain, I cannot instruct you professionally without seeing you.
Lucy Buckley PT
- By karen698
- Posted May 13, 2009 at 10:36 am
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Thank you all for replying to my question. April, I like your suggestion. Since I have had previous fractures, it's important to use them in the correct way. I already have the bands, but I don't want to do more harm than good.
- By Eamenard
- Posted May 13, 2009 at 10:01 pm
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Dear Karen698
Go to the SPRI website. They have an instruction sheet that you can download that gives all the configurations. I prefer the tubing with handles as they last much longer that the flat bands. I would recommend the SPRI product since the handles have the right clearance so they don't rub on the wrist. Others have short hand loops and they rub on the back of my wrist.
And Vegas53, that is where I have had great pain. I think it is my posture, but I have been using the tubing and the pain has been greatly reduced. I started using them after rotor cuff surgery and have continued doing them for the shoulder blade pain. A PT could probably show you what would be most appropriate for your condition.
- By kps
- Posted May 14, 2009 at 2:52 am
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Dear Team,
Re:Resistance Band
This discussion was very informative and useful. For me this is first time i am learning the use of Bands.I certainly would love to know from where can I get such Bands ?
Regards,
KPS
- By NancyK
- Posted October 10, 2009 at 4:07 pm
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I have used resistance bands with yoga stretches and recommendation by physical therapist when I had shoulder and back trauma from working at computer. Using the bands prevents injury and encourages gentle stretching and strengthening. Gaiam has a pilates kit that also contains a video, but the bands alone and the recommended SPRI instruction sheet could get you started. Target/Walmart/TJMaxx or online orders, plus I have found bands at athletic supply stores as well. They travel so well, you can always have your therapy along on a trip.
- By DeskJockey101
- Posted October 11, 2009 at 6:18 pm
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Good discussion and responses I also use the bands, but with guidance from my p/t - as it turns out I was being too severe with my use of the bands, so a good p/t will recognise that and correct it. I know use them gently and if I tire I stop. I now listen to my body and when it says enough is enough, I no longer act like wonder woman and continue, I recognise the need to stop. Without my p/t's guidance, that might never have happened and I might have done more harm then good! Just my 2 cents on it all ...
- By sdivas
- Posted October 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm
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DeskJockey101, good advice. Resistance bands seem harmless, but a woman recently told me that after a class using resistance bands, she felt pain in her back. Her diagnosis was a fracture. Apparently, she had overextended her range of motion with the bands; which is why it is so important to work with a fitness professional that has knowledge of bone loss.
- By DeskJockey101
- Posted October 12, 2009 at 12:33 am
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Sdivas I so agree with you, my p/t does answer all my questions and ensures I am doing things right and if he assistant looks at me with a blank stare on her face, which she does a lot, I just go straight to my P/T - after all I am trusting him with my bones and muscles !! My back feels so much better now that I know "how" to use the bands ..... I don't need rippling pecs.. or anything else, I just need to work the muscles right !
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