Gravity Sucks

Since becoming very senior, I’ve become more of a resistance band user. Free weights (including kettlebells) may always be the gold standard when it comes to resistance workouts; but now, I have to say, I’ve mostly put aside the free weights.

Here’s why:

With apologies to Sir Isaac Newton, gravity can be an unpleasant factor when lifting iron, as aging tendons and ligaments can be over-stressed because of it. However, gravity is not a factor when working with resistance bands. Think of a simple movement like the barbell curl. As the weight descends, tendons are sometimes over-stressed to control it, particularly at the bottom of the lift. But the same curl movement using resistance bands works the same arm muscle but with much less tendon stress.

Aging seniors or even younger trainees with achy joints often say they find relief using a good set of bands instead of weights.

Unfortunately, a lot of people who’ve been around gyms a long time may pooh-pooh the thought of resistance bands. “They’re just for geezers who can’t lift real weights anymore,” you might hear. Don’t believe it.

Here are a couple of examples of what I mean:

Former professional football quarterback Tom Brady works out with bands. So does former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens, to name just two. We are talking about elite athletes who played at the highest level in one of the toughest of all sports. They wouldn’t waste a minute of their time if bands didn’t get results. They aren’t alone. Many top-level athletes in most sports use bands.

Bands are also one of the great bargains in the fitness world, being inexpensive and compact. At home, you can stash an entire set in one drawer. Try that with a set of weights or a stationary bike. And they’re perfect for travelers.

Okay, I must sound like a salesperson pushing a product. Full disclosure: One resistance band company, the Bodylastics brand, was once an advertiser on my website. But for years now I haven’t had any connection and receive no compensation from them. Still, I use their bands and like them a lot. There are probably others that are good, too. At Amazon, for example, you can find many companies, as well as Bodylastics, selling resistance bands.

For seniors especially, I hope you’ll give them a try. Your joints will love you for it.

Stay healthy. Stay fit.

Logan

Senior Exercise Central

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Sincerely,

Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com