free weights or resistance bands?

[britaniefaith]

which is better? do you get the same benefits from both or more from one or the other?

[CaliRaw]

Free weights will give you more defined muscles.

[mikeshafer]

I say bands -- you can do a lot more with them, they are super cheap and portable (i.e. you don't need a gym), and it's all body weight. I've been following the guy at www.iwantsixpackabs.com and he uses bands... and in 4 months he goes from flabby to ripped.

[GoingtoRAW]

Has anyone tried "The Firm" workout?:o

[veggievamp]

I have bands and nearly took an eye out several times so prefer weights ;) I also don't feel the control that I do with free weights. One band I had that came with some workout was not good for tall people, I am 5'9", just didn't have enough stretch for what was going on in the workout. Some people have reported them breaking during workouts too, kinda dangerous!

I used to have alot of FIRM workout videos. Great when I was in better shape and had more space.

[juliebove]

I use both. Weights at home and bands for travel. You do have to be careful with the bands though. When they get old, they will break and you can get injured.

[PDXGeoff]

They're both good options and good for different things. I'd say give them both and shot and see which you find fits your body the best. You can also alternate between the two.

[firefaery]

I agree. Both-for different things. Free weights can also function in different ways...they actaully can multitask. However you can do SO MUCH bodyweight stuff and really get in shape with almost no equipment. If $ is an issue it might be something to think about.

[lore-ah]

I'm an avid weight lifter (NOT body builder mind you, just love weights). You'll quickly grow out of bands if you're serious about resistance training, and you should be.

[Anastasia Alston]

Both bands/tubing & weights are very good for resistance training. If you "outgrow" bands, imagination is likely to be the culprit; there actually is a book out (Human Kinetics publishes it) full of all manner of VERY challenging exercises you can do with bands/tubing. ;)

Bands are used by elite athletes as well as those who are returning/new-to-exercise. Bands/tubing are great for travel, too! They don't weigh much or take up much space. :D I use both in my own workouts & with my clients at all levels & straight unsupplemented body weight exercises as well as the odd machine. I generally prefer not to be dependant on having a gym at hand to get in a good workout & that's one of the beauties of bands/tubing.

In working with bands, it's a good idea to check them regularly for tears. Make sure not to stretch them beyond twice their length or it will overstress them & they will break - an all-around unsafe thing to have happen.

HTH!

Stasi

[firefaery]

ITA. Imagination is key. There are so many cool things you can do!

[lore-ah]

I am genuinely curious, so I'm sorry if this comes off sorta snotty. I deadlift 190 lbs, squat 125 lbs and well my upper body is an embarrassment-bench about 90lbs. Anyway, how can I get that sort of resistence and work my supporting muscles with bands?

[firefaery]

baby crying Ill be back with more detail...it's not about exchanging the bands for the weights, it's about variety and functionality.

Just because you can lift doesn't mean you are fit (not trying to sound snotty either) Fitness is different than strength, although stength is an aspect of fitness. There are many exercises that will challenge you using bands-I'll be back to explain.

[tanawana]

which is better? do you get the same benefits from both or more from one or the other?

Neither is better I feel. Depends on what you want to accomplish actually. They both can get you there. Resistence is Resistence when done properly. With the bands though, you need to be a little more inventive in the process and if serious would want to move away from the standard walmart type bands.

These are recommended by serious users:
http://www.ironwoodyfitness.com/fitness-bands.php

When you get down to it, consider the other choice of bodyweight exercises also?? Pushups, chinups, squats, hamstring curls and bench dips would pose a good beginner workout and can accomplish great gains for most.

[Anastasia Alston]

I am genuinely curious, so I'm sorry if this comes off sorta snotty. I deadlift 190 lbs, squat 125 lbs and well my upper body is an embarrassment-bench about 90lbs. Anyway, how can I get that sort of resistence and work my supporting muscles with bands?

Like Firefairy said it's not about even exchange bands to weights; strength training is more than bench presses & dead lifts (like I'm telling you something you don't know :D ). If you're truly curious about challenging band/tubing workouts, then the book I suggested (I think it's literally called "Strength Band Training" published by Human Kinetics - creative, I know! :D ) would be a great help in that direction. Then you'll be able to see for yourself what band/tubing workouts can be like & how to integrate them into your existing program. You don't even have to buy it; just hang out in Borders & flip through it some time! :)

Stasi

[lore-ah]

Just because you can lift doesn't mean you are fit (not trying to sound snotty either) Fitness is different than strength, although stength is an aspect of fitness. There are many exercises that will challenge you using bands-I'll be back to explain.

I definitely aggree with you there! I am strong, but I'm also quite active. I don't feel quite "fit" because I still have a lot of extra padding lurking around! I'll take a peek at the book that Anastasia Alston recommended. Right now I either walk or run on days I don't do weights. Another option is always welcome!