The Ultimate Resistance Band Workout

Resistance bands are an easy way to firm up without breaking the bank. The unique thing about bands is that the tension increases as you stretch them, so the exercise gets harder as you move through the range of motion, challenging your muscles in a different way than weights do. That helps you get stronger faster. Plus, they're light, so you can tuck one in your bag when you travel. Add these moves to your routine and you'll look like a million—for only a few bucks!

The following images and ideas are from Shape.com:

Resistance Band Workout: Side Plank Lift (image above)

Wrap center of the resistance band around feet and hold end in left hand. Balance on right forearm and outside of right foot, feet stacked and hips lifted so body is straight from heat to feet. Bring left hand next to left side, elbow bent and pointing up. Keeping torso still, raise left leg as high as you can, then slowly lower leg to within a few inches of bottom foot (hips stay up the entire time) and repeat. Do 10 to 15 reps, then switch sides to complete set. 

Resistance Band Workout: Plié Pull (image above)

Hold an end of the resistance band in each hand and stand with feet wide, toes turned out. Extend arms overhead, palms facing forward, and choke up on the resistance band band until there's no slack. Rise onto toes. Lower heels and sink into a deep squat as you draw arms down to shoulder level, elbows slightly bent. Rise onto toes, extending arms overhead again, and repeat. Do 15 to 20 reps. 

 Resistance Band Workout: Seated Tri Extension (image above)

Sit with legs extended (knees bent) and wrap center of the resistance band around middle of feet. Hold an end of the resistance band in each hand and extend arms behind you, palms facing each other. Keeping chest high and upper arms still, bend elbows so hands are next to hips, then straighten them again; repeat. Do 12 to 20 reps. 

 Resistance Band Workout: Balancing Fly (image above)

Wrap center of resistance band around middle of feet and hold an end in each hand. Sit up, then lean back slightly and raise legs so shins are parallel to the floor. Extend arms on either side of legs in a V, palms facing feet. Keep legs still as you draw arms out to the sides to shoulder height. Return to V and repeat. Do 12 too 20 reps. 

 Resistance Band Workout: Band Bend & Curl (image above)

Stand with feet wide, left foot on one end of the resistance band. Hold the other end in your left hand at your side, palm facing your body; place right hand behind you head, elbow pointing out to the side. Lean to the left and choke up on band to remove any slack. Keeping your hips still and squared forward, ride up so your torso is straight and draw your left hand up to your shoulder. Return to start and repeat. Do 12 to 20 reps, then switch sides to complete set.

 More band exercises to come~Natalie