Workout Spaces

I have a small home office where I do my writing and pay my bills. It was converted from a guest bedroom to a convenient workspace. And in a flash, it shifts from an office to a workout room. Where do I store my workout gear?

Hung neatly in the storage closet and next to a metal filing cabinet are sets of resistance bands and a rolled-up yoga mat. That’s it. Actual required time from office conversion to exercise room: less than one minute. Short of illness, there’s never an excuse for missing a workout.

A few kettlebells are at rest beneath a nearby desk. I love kettlebells and used them a lot until I hit my 80s. But resistance bands these days play the greatest role, by far.

Regardless of your age, don’t give up your gym membership if you enjoy the camaraderie in a gym and the widely varied equipment and programs. I belonged to gyms for years and taught classes in them. I know about the variety they offer. On the other hand, in the time it takes just to drive to a gym, I can be halfway through my workout at home. So I exercise, take a shower, and I’m done. No traffic. No hassle.

But are resistance bands really that effective? Without hesitation, I can say yes that they are. I’m certainly not running down free weights. But as I’ve gotten older resistance bands seem to be a better fit.

However, let me acknowledge that there are some people who simply won’t exercise at all unless it’s in a class or gym setting. For them, home workouts without a trainer present just won’t work. If that happens to be you, don’t let me mess with a routine that is working.

But for others, resistance bands may be a great training option. At around $50 to $100 you can have a total home workout system. The bands are also compact and can go with you when you travel. They fit into a small (13 x 13 inch) satchel that comes with the set. You’ll never miss a workout.

Another huge plus is that I have never — and I mean never — developed any tendinitis while using resistance bands. Does that mean it can’t happen? It’s possible to develop tendinitis using any kind of exercise equipment, or even bodyweight exercises alone.

But exercise bands are definitely easier on aging tendons and ligaments than weights, no question about it. Exercising muscle without beating up one’s joints becomes increasingly important as we grow older.

So let's say you’ve been working out across town at a “Big Iron” gym. You’re a senior but still able to keep pace, of close to it, with the young guys and gals. Maybe you think that resistance bands are kind of wimpy. (You’ve probably seen those skinny little elastic bands lying around the aerobics room.) Don’t be fooled. The bands I’m talking about are the kind some professional football teams use.

There are plenty of companies selling them. Mine are from Bodylastics and can be purchased through Amazon or directly from the Bodylastics company (I receive no compensation from the company.) Complete sets come with easy-level bands to strongman thickness and various levels in between.

If you're cramped for space, short on time, or working within a limited budget, or you want to go easy on tendons and ligaments, a good set of resistance bands may be just the training solution you're looking for.

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