The elastic bands and balls at the gym may look scary, but you can learn how to use them to improve your workout. Here is what you need to know about these simple training items.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands can be a simple and fun thing to add to your workout. The large, open-ended rubber bands come in many sizes. They can be used to exercise your upper and lower body.

Talk to a trainer before starting a band program. A trainer can show you proper form, lower the risk of injury, and suggest exercises that are right for your level of fitness.

The best way to use bands is to wrap them around stable objects, like a bedpost or door knob. There are also exercises that you can do by holding the rubber band with your foot.

Exercises

You can do many of the same exercises you do now using bands. Hook them over a high bar for lat pull downs or chest press. Step on the rubber bands with your feet to give some resistance for bicep or tricep exercises. You can also do a mix of exercises. With the bands under your feet, try going from a squat into a shoulder press. Get creative! Bands let you work on your entire body.

Benefits

Some benefits of bands are:

• Cost : They are not expensive.
• Ease of travel : You can take them with you very easily. They are a good choice for people who travel for work.
• Ease of use : Bands can be used by beginners looking for some simple strength training and regulars in the gym seeking a change of routine.
• Variety : Bands allow you to do movements that weights do not. They will help you work different muscles.

Drawbacks

Bands do not give you an aerobic workout, which is an important part of being fit. Another drawback is that there is a limit to how much strength you can gain with bands. They should be used as a way to mix up your routine or as a good way to stay fit when traveling.

Buying Tips

If you want to buy bands, try them out before buying. Test out the handles. Those with a bigger grip may be more comfortable. Bands should also have a few resistance levels. The different levels will help you stretch your routine to new levels.

Medicine Balls

Medicine balls are rubber balls, ranging in size (softball to basketball size) and weight (from 1 pound to 30 pounds). They can add fun to a workout and improve the strength of your muscles.

Exercises

Medicine balls can be used alone or with a workout buddy. Many exercises will have you throwing and catching the weighted balls, but some can be used to improve standing exercises that help with arms and abdominals. If you train for a specific sport, you and your buddy can mimic the ball exercises to the movements made in the sport. Ask a personal trainer to go over the options.

Safety

You will need a healthy back, a strong core, and strong joints to use medicine balls. The exercises also depend on your ability to twist, bend, jump, and maintain good balance. Using medicine balls will improve those areas, but you should start with a strong base. Otherwise, you may have an injury.

Buying Tips

The prices of medicine balls vary depending on the size and weight of the ball. Some companies make a 3-pound ball in softball size only and some offer it in volleyball or basketball size. You may want a specific size depending on how you will use the equipment. Take time to study and test the different balls so you can buy the ones that best meet your needs.