Using resistance bands for exercise when traveling

Resistance bands offer a great way to have a portable strength training gym in your suitcase! The easiest thing to do is to mimic many of the exercises you already do with a cable or with dumbbells by getting creative with the band instead. For instance:

• Stand on the band, hold the tubing in each hand and perform bicep curls.
• Hold the strap of the band behind your back and grab the opposite end with your other hand over head to to a triceps extension. Stand on the band and curl the handles to your shoulders. Sit back into a squat, keeping your hands at your shoulders for a resisted squat.
• Hold the tubing of the band directly out in front of you at chest height with both hands. Open your arms wide just as you would do for a reverse fly to work the mid-back and shoulders.
• Attach the band in front of you by looping it around a sturdy banister (or something similar) and using both hands to row straight back. For an added bonus, just like the picture above, squat down with your arms forward, and then jump up as you do a row with your upper body for a total body workout!
• There are many great additional resources on YouTube for using resistance bands:
• 10 minute workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQIpbyQxBck
• 8 minute workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYJGLU0bO0
• Top 5 resistance band exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYPvRyKPWeU
• *For each of these videos you may want to consider investing in a resistance band anchor which will give more ability to vary your workout! Here is one great option: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15819146