If you’re looking to take your Pilates workouts up a notch, then it could be time to start experimenting with resistance bands. You might have seen these lightweight, travel-friendly exercise accessories being used in the gym. But they’ve got a pretty good place in your Pilates class too. From strength building to making moves more accessible, let’s take a look at how to use resistance bands in your Pilates sessions.
What are resistance bands?
Typically, resistance bands are lightweight sections of elasticated material designed to add tension into your workouts. But how much tension and resistance you work with will depend on the band you choose.
Some common resistance bands are therapy bands, which are made from thin elastic which you grip at both ends. You’ve also got your loop bands which are typically made of thicker elastic to give you additional tension.
And once you’ve chosen the right type of band for you, you’ve also got options on tension grading to take your workouts up (or down) a level depending on your goals.
Why use resistance bands in Reformer Pilates?
Because of the resistance springs underneath your reformer bed, in Reformer Pilates you typically won’t really need resistance bands. But they can come in handy for static movements.
For example, a loop band in Bridge, Clam or one-legged circles can add extra resistance to make your muscles work even harder. Now you’ll *really* start to feel the burn.
Resistance bands can also work well as an alternative to using the Pilates straps on your reformer bed. This allows you to work with even more tension options. For upper body exercises, use a therapy band. You can do anything from bicep curls, tricep extensions, chest flies, rows, pull-aparts and more!
Using resistance bands for: strength
Resistance bands are great for building strength because they train your muscles to work against a force. When you’re using resistance bands, your body is constantly having to adjust to the force which means you’ll be working under tension with your muscles engaged for as long as you’re using the bands. A brilliant way of developing muscle strength.
Using resistance bands for: flexibility
Because they’re springy, resistance bands can help to make some moves more accessible. For example, folding forward to touch your toes is easier when you’re looping a therapy band around your feet. That’s because the band can help you get into the movement without injuring yourself. Over time, your body will get more used to the movement, you’ll become more flexible and have more moves in your repertoire.
Using resistance bands for: Pilates on-the-go
If you love Reformer Pilates like us, then you’ll think that most other exercises don’t come close. So when you’re travelling away from the studio (or home if you have one of our folding reformer beds), it might feel like something is missing. But that’s where resistance bands can help.
They’re not a direct comparison to the reformer bed but they can mimic the feeling of using straps and pushing away from a force.
Using resistance bands for: rehabilitation
If you’re coming back from an injury and trying to build up your strength, then look no further than the humble resistance band. It will gently get your muscles used to bearing weight again, without the risk of injury from lifting free weights which are too heavy.
The beauty of resistance bands is that you can adapt your position and still get a great workout. For example, you can put in an entire upper body session while seated. Or work your lower body while laying down on your Pilates mat. And when you need to shift it up a gear, simply choose a heavier resistance band.
Tempted to give it a try? Find a resistance band to match your movement in the FOLD accessories range.