Can someone explain to me about resistance bands?

[awesomekaren]

I'm trying to get fitter (aren't we all) from a fairly basic start. I've started the walking regularly but want to do something along the lines of light weights but don't currently have anywhere to learn how to use them safely and properly. I've seen resistance bands mentioned on other threads - can someone tell me more about them and where to start?

I’m in a similar position. Iv got a light weigh one . I also use light weights . I plan on doing 20 min a day

Even resistance bands, you need to know how to and how not to use them.
It really depends on the muscle you are trying to use. For the lower body, they can be useful for the gluteus medius, which is tiny and fatigues easily, but for the main gluteus, do squats, even bodyweight squats, and lunges. Big muscle works better on big exercise. Work your muscles the way your body would use them. So jump forwards, push something heavy more than a band.

The fact that you fatigue a muscle doesn't mean you are building or toning a muscle.

For fitness, use a skipping rope, learn how to properly squat (narrow, wide, plié) , maybe invest in a kettlebell, and use if for swings and deadlift.
Bands are ok for biceps and triceps, but careful with form, because once the muscle struggles, many will do weird things with the back .

I agree about needing to know how to use them, either with a trainer or an online class (I do Les Mills and their Core programme uses bands; some Pilates programmes also use bands). You can also use them to assist with big bodyweight exercises like pull ups (so the band takes some of your weight).

And also agree that basic (which doesn't mean easy) bodyweight exercises like squats, planks, lunges and push ups are very effective, working lots of muscle groups at once. Again, form matters, an it is worth finding a programme you like. Good luck!