Do resistance bands work?

[Duke4]

Back on the exercise regime which is the cross trainer combined with resistance bands. My bands ride up my legs so I’m considering upgrading to some fabric ones which are supposedly better.

My question is, do resistance bands get results? I’m looking to tone and strengthen. What’s your experience?

I don't really understand the question. What do you mean by "results"?

Resistance bands are great for rehab - ie I use them regularly to help strengthen my glutes and stave off running injury - is that what you mean?

I’m looking to lose a bit of weight but mostly tone up, less flab. I’m following various butt toning YouTube videos. I used to run but due to bad joints need to switch to lower impact, hence the cross trainer with resistance bands.

i like the one i own and use with an online program.

when i had a PT she set me up with some fairly intense exercises using them. i've never had them ride up anywhere though.

I have one with handles that I tie around my thighs for various exercises - it definitely makes them more intense!

Thanks, adding intensity makes sense. My muscles are aching slightly this morning. Admit there’s part of me hoping for maximum results for minimum effort

you mean using them on the crosstrainer?
that sounds quite dangerous.

I use resistance band for some exercises to give them more oomph.
clams & crabwalks.

tbh I would add some core exercises (lots on youtube) to your regime.

Using them on the crosstrainer is mad. Don't do that!
As Purple says, some core exercises would be good, plus some weights and low impact cardio (I find spinning the best when I can't run).
A cross trainer won't do much and resistance bands won't help you lose weight, though they are good for helping with strength work.

Quite honestly if you want to lose weight and "tone up" then cross trainer and bands probably wont cut it. You need to be in a calories deficit and to tone up you need to build muscle which requires weights. If you are in a gym then great but if not and you don't have access to weights then resistance bands are a good start. Wide fabric ones for legs and the longer ones for upper body and other lower body stuff. Cross trainer will her your daily activity levels up but don't use it as a tool for weight loss would be my advice.

don't get us wrong: cross trainer is great for cardio if you significantly raise your eart rate, i.e. get hot and sweaty.
but it's one part of good health and muscle strength, especially core strength, and diet are just as important.

Haha sorry, not ON the crosstrainer . That would be seriously stupid! Hahaha no way! No I was just giving unnecessary additional information

Thank you @purplesquins. I’m returning to exercise, used to go to the gym, run, had PT, the works. Now I’ve a shot core, don’t have time for gym and can’t run due to back problems. So I’ve bought and crosstrainer and some resistance bands. This is my start and I’m hoping it will make a difference

part of me hoping for maximum results for minimum effort

See those pigs coming over the horizon?

My physio gets me to do preventative/rehab exercises with resistance bands, but to one/lose weight, you need to look at diet, and use a progressive programme which keeps on challenging your body.

For cardio (cross-trainer) this means going faster/adding resistance, or doing interval training (trendy HIIT nowadays, but the principle has been around for ever). Our bodies adapt to steady-state cardio exercise.

For strength, you need to start looking at weighted training. Use resistance bands & body weight, but seek to move on to proper weights.

In both cases a progressive programme that steadily and gradually requires you to be challenged and get you to the point of failure. THat's when the training effect on your muscles kicks in.

And then a proper stretching regime.

@LaChanticleer Thank you, this is great advice. Actually, I followed a HIIT 30 minute cross trainer video this morning. Then I did a 20 minute core resistance band video. It makes sense that I would increase the intensity and vary the regime. I’m going to look at getting some dumbbells too, I hate them but recognise their place.

Thanks again.

Good luck and have fun!

Yeah