Hi
November 1, 2020
In this newsletter . . .
Resistance Bands
vs. Gravity
Since entering the very senior of my senior years, I’ve become more and more a resistance band user. Free weights (most recently kettlebells) may always be the gold standard when it comes to resistance workouts; but now, I have to say, bands have overtaken even my kettlebells.Gravity is a factor when lifting iron or weights of any kind, and aging tendons and ligaments may be stressed more than they should because of it. Gravity is not a factor when working with resistance bands. Think of a simple movement like the barbell curl. As the barbell descends, tendons are sometimes over-stressed to control the weight, particularly at the bottom of the lift. While the curl movement using resistance
bands works the same arm muscles but with much less tendon stress.
If you love lifting iron, and particularly if you’re younger, stick with it. However, aging seniors, or even younger trainees with achy joints, often find relief using a good set of bands and putting aside the weights.
Some people who’ve been around gyms a long time may speak disparagingly about resistance bands. “They’re just for geezers that can’t lift real weights anymore,” you might hear. Don’t believe these “experts.” They don’t know what they’re talking about.
Here are a couple of examples of what I mean:
Professional football quarterback Tom Brady works out with bands. So does former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens. They are elite athletes of the highest level in one of the toughest of all sports. They wouldn’t waste their time if bands didn’t get results. And they aren’t alone. Athletes throughout the sports world use them.
Bands are also one of the great bargains in fitness, 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 travel.
I must sound like a salesperson pushing a product to earn a commission. One resistance band company, the Bodylastics brand, was once an advertiser on my website. For years now, however, 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 you can find many companies, as well as Bodylastics, selling bands. Or you can buy them directly from the Bodylastics company.
If you're searching for one of the biggest bargains in fitness equipment, you have discovered it.
Stay healthy. Stay fit.
Logan
Senior Exercise Central
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Newsletter Policy
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above.
I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money.
Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these.
The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and
your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you.Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom.
Sincerely,
Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com
