I recently started using stretch bands at the gym and I think I'm in love. I will forever be fascinated by their simplicity and surprised by their ability to tone. When used correctly, they just might rival any high-tech machine or dumbbell out there—especially since they can be taken anywhere. As in, they'll help you keep up the workouts on vacation without having to sweat it out in a nasty hotel fitness center. (Toning on the balcony at sunset? Perfect!)
Stretch bands are also a super-inexpensive way to give your at-home workouts a boost, and you can find them just about anywhere. I bought a set of three (one of which is pictured above) for $9.00, and I am certain I've already got my money's worth.
How to use them? Let me count the ways! You'll notice mine is tied—that's because I put it around my calf muscles and do side steps to work my adductor (hip) and gluteus (butt) muscles. (Oh, how it burns!) Any good Google search will produce a variety of sources with further examples, but here are a few off the guide that came with my stretch bands:
