I work as a personal trainer, both at a commercial gym and privately outdoors at a nearby calisthenics playground. When at the park, I rely on two pieces of equipment to train my clients - suspension straps/gymnastics rings, and heavy resistance bands. Now, bodyweight training I still think is largely king - it is minimal in equipment, and builds coordination really well along with strength. There is so much that can be done here. But for certain exercises I really find resistance bands to be useful. They are MUCH cheaper and more portable than kettlebells/dumbbells/maces/clubs/barbells; can place beneficial compressive load on the spine at the top of the movement; can provide a wide range of resistance depending on set-up. And very importantly, while the strength curve is steeply ascending with bands, it can be very helpful to train more explosiveness. Our upper bodies must generally work freely in space to manipulate our environment. This is why calisthenics is especially great for upper body training - the intensity is changed through technical complexity. A pull-up can be progressed to a front-lever pull-up or a one-arm pull-up. The dip can be progressed to planche push-ups or handstand push-ups. But our lower bodies must generally work stably, applying force through the ground to move us as we traverse through or manipulate our environment. This is where bands can help build explosive strength, for moves like lunges, squats, and (for the core) chops and windmill variations. Bodyweight training should be the foundation. But when external resistance is needed, especially for the lower body, bands can be a great addition, especially when you are already employing suspension and isometric tools.
I really like my Undersun Resistance Bands and they give me great workouts. However I also like using KBs, DBs, slam balls. Using bands vs weights are two different types of training but I do enjoy both styles
Matt I really appreciate you dude I really like your channel too I myself use a suspension trainer I’m seeing better Results them with free weights I really like the pump you get from the suspension trainer I’m older now 62 years old And freeway really doing a number on my joints and muscles I really try to like resistance bands But I really hate the way they feel I’ve tried time and time again to try to get used to them But no go I like the natural field from the suspension trainer Thanks for all your post
I feel like Free weight enthusiasts go for bands as their alternatives for when they don't have access to gym or weights. While calisthenic enthusiasts go for suspension trainers as their alternative in case they have no pull up or dip bars. This is an interesting topic. In the end both have their moments when they shine. Great video Matt.
For tight budgets or limited space in an apartment or home for exercise equipment, it is hard to beat suspension straps from Amazon at $40 to $60. Add bands and a bar for another$80 to $200 and you can get full body workouts for under 300 dollars and not need more space than 6 or 8 feet long by 3 or 4 feet wide.
I have a home gym with barbells. I love mixing things together. Squats, bench, deadlifts, pull ups, suspension rows, suspension flyes, suspension dips, suspension rear delt flyes, band face pulls, band pull aparts, band curls and tricep extensions... So many great things to mix up.
Thank you Matt. Both have their pros and cons. Anchor points are probably the largest obstacle for me to overcome. Granted that I am nowhere near as heavy as I was 8 years old however still being a heavy guy, finding sturdy & safe anchors points are my largest obstacle.
its refreshing to here you be positive and give some credit to bands, surprised me a little. You hit valid points. I kind of like my bands, but don't want to use my door as an anchor which is needed for 3/4 of the exercises. I did try the weights with bands scenario, but there was so much pressure pulling down it didnt seem very safe. I like the Total Gym ( a$400 model) (i told you about that a long time ago. But I keep going back to weights, not sure why, I guess its in my DNA lol. When there comes a time when weights are too painful to use , I will use my TG, the TG is like minimal stress on joints. Im 53, the only time have pain is when doing squats (knees), it can be minimal weight and still get pain. Knee sleeves help, but I just do Deadlifts instead or squats with dumbbells held at my side. I know bodyweight squats are an option. I seem to be able to do squats with light bands also.But as long as its "only" one exercise I can't do, im telling myself its ok.
Loop bands are great . Do you remember the video that u have shown steel pipe as best gymnastic ring accessorie? You can attach it a loop band and do upright rows, curls, shrugs even deadlifts. You can also attach them on a pull up bar and do tricep push downs, overhead triceps extensions, facepulls and so forth. You can also check out resistancebandtraining.com . Owner of this website is Mr. Dave Schmitz who has lots of knowledge about loop resistance band training.
I agree loop bands are great and have the same bands from Dave. For me personally, I use my Nossk Trainer and the bands to add variety to my training. 💯
I have to agree with this one I really want to like resistance bands But I don’t like the way they feel I’d much rather use my suspension trainer I feel more muscle activation with the suspension trainer anyways And I’m starting to see development with only the use of the trainer Thanks for the post
I do most of the work in that curve where you find most of the resistance. For example:- First three full reps... Then an isometric hold of 20 seconds followed by 3 very slow quarter reps in the high resistance curve and then maybe another three very slow full reps if I am not totally bust by then.
Suspension trainers actually have the opposite strength curve to bands! With bands, the positive gets harder as you go and the negative gets easier as you go. With suspension, the positive gets easier as you go (body lean reduction) and the negative gets harder as you go (body lean increase). Since we are stronger eccentrically, I value suspension trainers a lot more. But bands could be a good compliment to suspension training.
If there is one thing I've learned from you its that the main thing is to seriously activate the tension chain throughout the exercise. I now get more out of the easiest of exercises, the simple bodyweight squat, than any leg exercise I've done in the past.
For my money, I much prefer suspension straps, but I'm honestly not a fan of the TRX design. instead I recommend NOSSK trainers and you can check out my review of them here: ruclips.net/video/b413J7bWyuc/видео.html
@@RedDeltaProject Thanks. I’m not familiar with any of them so I don’t know which does what … I just know that they must be fairly similar, if you overlook the details. Which, I agree.. makes all the difference. I’ll look into it and if the price is right I’ll get it. Right now I can get TRX GO for under $100. Amazon has it on sale for 30% off. NOSSK is not as expensive as TRX. That’s great. Thanks for recording this. 👍
Not a big fan of band work myself, as I much prefer using weight. The resistance curve I much more manageable and applicable. But hey, resistance is resistance and at the end of the day, what you use is much less important than how you use it.
I've noticed something: when I carry a dumbbell like it's a shopping bag, I feel like I could carry it for 1 hour. But if I carry the same dumbbell the same way I would carry a TV, my heart rate goes up quickly, and I feel tired in just 20-30 seconds. Why is that ?
Simple, you're using more muscle when you carry it in front. It's a less efficient position for carrying weight. therefor a very valid way to work the body
Its a curious thing, when we humans find something difficult it's tempting to believe the solutions are going to be complex, when what really works is the simplest solutions.
I work as a personal trainer, both at a commercial gym and privately outdoors at a nearby calisthenics playground. When at the park, I rely on two pieces of equipment to train my clients - suspension straps/gymnastics rings, and heavy resistance bands. Now, bodyweight training I still think is largely king - it is minimal in equipment, and builds coordination really well along with strength. There is so much that can be done here.
But for certain exercises I really find resistance bands to be useful. They are MUCH cheaper and more portable than kettlebells/dumbbells/maces/clubs/barbells; can place beneficial compressive load on the spine at the top of the movement; can provide a wide range of resistance depending on set-up. And very importantly, while the strength curve is steeply ascending with bands, it can be very helpful to train more explosiveness.
Our upper bodies must generally work freely in space to manipulate our environment. This is why calisthenics is especially great for upper body training - the intensity is changed through technical complexity. A pull-up can be progressed to a front-lever pull-up or a one-arm pull-up. The dip can be progressed to planche push-ups or handstand push-ups.
But our lower bodies must generally work stably, applying force through the ground to move us as we traverse through or manipulate our environment. This is where bands can help build explosive strength, for moves like lunges, squats, and (for the core) chops and windmill variations.
Bodyweight training should be the foundation. But when external resistance is needed, especially for the lower body, bands can be a great addition, especially when you are already employing suspension and isometric tools.
Thanks for sharing, indeed it's hard to train our legs with enough resistance with only rings and bodyweight!
I really like my Undersun Resistance Bands and they give me great workouts. However I also like using KBs, DBs, slam balls. Using bands vs weights are two different types of training but I do enjoy both styles
Matt
I really appreciate you dude
I really like your channel too
I myself use a suspension trainer
I’m seeing better
Results them with free weights
I really like the pump you get from the suspension trainer
I’m older now 62 years old
And freeway really doing a number on my joints and muscles
I really try to like resistance bands
But I really hate the way they feel
I’ve tried time and time again to try to get used to them
But no go
I like the natural field from the suspension trainer
Thanks for all your post
I feel like Free weight enthusiasts go for bands as their alternatives for when they don't have access to gym or weights. While calisthenic enthusiasts go for suspension trainers as their alternative in case they have no pull up or dip bars. This is an interesting topic. In the end both have their moments when they shine. Great video Matt.
Good observation, funny enough, when I started working with freeweights, I kept using exercises that I could relate to band work that I was doing
For tight budgets or limited space in an apartment or home for exercise equipment, it is hard to beat suspension straps from Amazon at $40 to $60. Add bands and a bar for another$80 to $200 and you can get full body workouts for under 300 dollars and not need more space than 6 or 8 feet long by 3 or 4 feet wide.
I have a home gym with barbells. I love mixing things together. Squats, bench, deadlifts, pull ups, suspension rows, suspension flyes, suspension dips, suspension rear delt flyes, band face pulls, band pull aparts, band curls and tricep extensions... So many great things to mix up.
Thank you Matt.
Both have their pros and cons. Anchor points are probably the largest obstacle for me to overcome. Granted that I am nowhere near as heavy as I was 8 years old however still being a heavy guy, finding sturdy & safe anchors points are my largest obstacle.
Very informative and unbiased. Thanks.
I would say all are beneficial as there is always much more to say. Thank you Matt.
I have both resistance bands and gymnastics rings. I tend to use the rings more.
Great video and you always provides new stimulation and food for thought. Thanks
I appreciate that, and thank you for watching :)
its refreshing to here you be positive and give some credit to bands, surprised me a little. You hit valid points. I kind of like my bands, but don't want to use my door as an anchor which is needed for 3/4 of the exercises. I did try the weights with bands scenario, but there was so much pressure pulling down it didnt seem very safe. I like the Total Gym ( a$400 model) (i told you about that a long time ago. But I keep going back to weights, not sure why, I guess its in my DNA lol. When there comes a time when weights are too painful to use , I will use my TG, the TG is like minimal stress on joints. Im 53, the only time have pain is when doing squats (knees), it can be minimal weight and still get pain. Knee sleeves help, but I just do Deadlifts instead or squats with dumbbells held at my side. I know bodyweight squats are an option. I seem to be able to do squats with light bands also.But as long as its "only" one exercise I can't do, im telling myself its ok.
Loop bands are great . Do you remember the video that u have shown steel pipe as best gymnastic ring accessorie? You can attach it a loop band and do upright rows, curls, shrugs even deadlifts. You can also attach them on a pull up bar and do tricep push downs, overhead triceps extensions, facepulls and so forth. You can also check out resistancebandtraining.com . Owner of this website is Mr. Dave Schmitz who has lots of knowledge about loop resistance band training.
I agree loop bands are great and have the same bands from Dave. For me personally, I use my Nossk Trainer and the bands to add variety to my training. 💯
I have to agree with this one
I really want to like resistance bands
But I don’t like the way they feel
I’d much rather use my suspension trainer
I feel more muscle activation with the suspension trainer anyways
And I’m starting to see development with only the use of the trainer
Thanks for the post
I do most of the work in that curve where you find most of the resistance. For example:- First three full reps... Then an isometric hold of 20 seconds followed by 3 very slow quarter reps in the high resistance curve and then maybe another three very slow full reps if I am not totally bust by then.
I like that braided band! I just got bands. I worry about them braking and popping me in the eye. Bungee is an old Cherokee word for I lost an eye😂👍🇺🇸
Suspension trainers actually have the opposite strength curve to bands! With bands, the positive gets harder as you go and the negative gets easier as you go. With suspension, the positive gets easier as you go (body lean reduction) and the negative gets harder as you go (body lean increase). Since we are stronger eccentrically, I value suspension trainers a lot more. But bands could be a good compliment to suspension training.
Hey Matt....❤️
How are ya mate.
Stay safe..
For the info...
I'm followin ur GSC + iso program.
Glad to be a part of delta project.
Keep goin❤️
So good to hear from you, and thank you for checking in. Keep me up to date on your progress!
If there is one thing I've learned from you its that the main thing is to seriously activate the tension chain throughout the exercise. I now get more out of the easiest of exercises, the simple bodyweight squat, than any leg exercise I've done in the past.
Wonderful! That can be one heck of a game changer for sure. It's not only good for building muscle and strength but also saving your joints as well
Trying to decide between TRX and resistance bands. Which would you guys recommend .. if any. Maybe something else?
I use Hydrow and cycling.
For my money, I much prefer suspension straps, but I'm honestly not a fan of the TRX design. instead I recommend NOSSK trainers and you can check out my review of them here:
ruclips.net/video/b413J7bWyuc/видео.html
@@RedDeltaProject Thanks. I’m not familiar with any of them so I don’t know which does what … I just know that they must be fairly similar, if you overlook the details. Which, I agree.. makes all the difference. I’ll look into it and if the price is right I’ll get it. Right now I can get TRX GO for under $100. Amazon has it on sale for 30% off.
NOSSK is not as expensive as TRX. That’s great. Thanks for recording this. 👍
What about the bodylastics bands, they have a small carry bag? 👍
Bodylastics bands are fantastic. Love the curl bar they offer too.
What's your take on x3bar system?
Not a big fan of band work myself, as I much prefer using weight. The resistance curve I much more manageable and applicable. But hey, resistance is resistance and at the end of the day, what you use is much less important than how you use it.
I've noticed something: when I carry a dumbbell like it's a shopping bag, I feel like I could carry it for 1 hour. But if I carry the same dumbbell the same way I would carry a TV, my heart rate goes up quickly, and I feel tired in just 20-30 seconds. Why is that ?
Simple, you're using more muscle when you carry it in front. It's a less efficient position for carrying weight. therefor a very valid way to work the body
@@RedDeltaProject thanks !
Sometimes I don’t understand all the over complication ( not you Matt ) go down the park and do pull-ups ,dips and pushups .
Its a curious thing, when we humans find something difficult it's tempting to believe the solutions are going to be complex, when what really works is the simplest solutions.
No leg work? I'd add squats.