Overhead Squats in Resistance Band

Overhead Squats in Resistance Band

 

Doing squats with a resistance band engages the muscles differently than with weights in the sense that the band produces more resistance as it continues stretch. With weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, the resistance remains the same throughout the repetition because you only have to work against gravity.

Targeted Muscles: Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings. Quadriceps

Key Points:

  • Keep your back arched, feet flat and core tight
  • Stand on the band so that it is under both of your heels
  • Hold the band overhead with a wide grip – outside of shoulder width
  • Squat ass-to-the-grass using full range of motion
  • Drive your heels through the floor to ascend

 

Fighter Pilot Sit-Up

Fighter Pilot Sit-Up

 

FIGHTER PILOT SIT-UP

This is a cool lil’ exercise for core that is designed to hit all of the abdominal muscles at once. The resistance caused by the band will engage transverse abdominis (inner core), the sit-up rectus abdominis (six pack) and the twisting obliques.

Main Muscles: Abdominals, Obliques

Key Points:
– Keep your chest high and core tight
– Sit in a Z position with your knees bent and heels on the floor
– Extend your arms in front of your chest and lock your elbows while holding the handle with both hands
– Drive your lower back into the floor when exploding upwards
– Twist your torso so that your hands draw a quarter circle around you from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock and then 12 o’clock to 9 o’clock when working the other side
– Train both sides evenly

Single Leg Resistance Band Wood Chop

Single Leg Resistance Band Wood Chop

 

This one legged wood chop is designed to engage the deep muscles in your core and in/around the spine. Focus on balance and use a slow, controlled movement.

Main Muscles: Obliques & Inner Core

Key Points:

– Attach the resistance band to a stable apparatus such as a squat rack or cable machine

– Keep your core tight and chest high

– Stand on the leg that is closest to the post where the band is attached

– Extend your arms and lock your elbows with hands in front of your solar plexus

– Keep your head straight while twisting your body

– Draw a quarter circle around your body with your hands when twisting from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock and then 12 o’clock to 9 o’clock on the opposite side

– Train both sides evenly

Single Arm Bent Over DB Row with Resistance Band

Single Arm Bent Over DB Row with Resistance Band

 

For this rowing exercise you should use a weight that is about 20% lighter than your usual. The resistance band will create a resistance double whammy – forcing you to fight against more than just gravity.

Main Muscles: Latissimus Dorsi, Rear Deltoids, Biceps

Key Points:

– Attach the resistance band to a stable apparatus, such as a squat rack or cable machine

– Keep your chest high, ass out and back straight

– Wrap the band around the handle of the dumbbell and keep ahold of it with your hand while rowing

– Row towards your waist

– Use full range of motion