Home gym workouts are convenient, but you are very limited in the exercises you can do. A barbell and dumbbell set along with an adjustable bench will cover a lot of the basic free weight exercises, but you are kind of screwed when it comes to cable and machine exercises.
One option is to purchase a big expensive home gym machine. Now if you have the space and money is not an issue then go for it. This will be your best option for a killer home gym workout.
But if you are looking for a more convenient and cost effective option then I highly recommend getting a set of heavy duty rubber fitness bands. I’ve been a huge fan of rubber band exercises for several years now because they provide some unique exercise variations that you can’t even duplicate with free weights or gym machines.
In fact I include rubber band exercises in my Total Fitness Bodybuilding DVD Training System as well as in my brand new Blast Your Biceps program.
Now when it comes to rubber fitness bands one draw back is that each band has a set resistance. Generally, the cheap department store bands are waaayyy to easy and you’ll quickly out grow them. The higher end rubber bands are better and more durable. But again you’ll need to buy several different strength bands to have the variety you need for training.
Now I did do this myself and I actually have several different strength rubber fitness bands (i.e. light, medium, and heavy resistance). But I’ve found a better option that allows you to totally customize your rubber band resistance according to your strength level and the exercises you are doing.
The “Body Lastics Bands” are the best rubber fitness band set that I’ve found because they are a high quality heavy duty rubber bands that allow you to adjust the tension of the bands by adding or removing bands to the handles.
So if you are looking for a kick ass addition to your home gym workouts, I highly recommend getting a set of “Body Lastics Bands” you can pick up a set for just $50 and it is money well invested in your muscle building training arsenal.
http://www.BodyLasticBands.com
Just go to their website http://www.BodyLasticBands.com to watch a video demo of the exercises you can do. Granted their videos look like a cheesy TV infomercial, but they are a good product non the less.
11 Comments
Rick
Good article, Lee. I have been using bands for a while now for some of my exercises. I have rigged mine to use for cable crossovers. They are a great addition to my home gym.
Bernie
noo leee plz tell me u of all people are endorsing fads D:
Joshua
Bernie, I have the bodylastics bands, these aren’t a fad. Now unless you’re smarter and stronger(concerning bodybuildng) than Lee Hayward and Terrell Owens(who is endorsed by Bodylastics), I suggest you take his word for it.
Brody
I use them sometimes when i bench to increase the resistance as you press the bar
leehayward
Using rubber bands in addition to free weights is not a “fad” or “gimmick” in fact a lot of the worlds top strongmen and powerlifters incorporate resistance band training into their workouts. I’ve been using bands myself for years and recommend them in my programs simply because they work.
Now at the same time I’m not saying to do only rubber band workouts, but I am suggesting that you add bands in addition to your regular free weight exercises. This can really take your training up a notch and help stimulate more muscle growth.
Snake
Can you give a few of the best (or your favorite) exercises with bands?
Tommi
Todd
Lee,
This is great stuff thanks,
Todd
Raducu Nastase
Yes they really do, i have one pair but its really short, what i observed with bands is that i never get sore
insanity workout
We started out resolutions with this home workout plan, Shaun T Insanity.
Aimo Ruoho
Thanks a lot for your information, Lee, my young friend!
I am going to send for the ultimite series via UK very soon.
I have an older 5-cable + handles device, but want a more modern one.
Best Regards from Aimo (72 and still training with free weights and my multi-station machine and developing continually both in strength and figure).