Replace Your Weights | Resistance Band Training · 3 min read
I started lifting weights seriously when I was in junior high, the summer between 7th and 8th grade, to be exact. I went with my older brother or sister when they went to their high school for their summer lifting programs. Coach Fox would let me lift even though I wasn't in high school yet. If he didn't let me in the weight room, I would have stayed tubby. At least for another year.
Most of the people that use the high school weight room were high school athletes. Lifting is an essential part of any athlete's training. If you are an athlete and aren't doing resistance training, you won't reach your full potential.
After that summer, I trimmed all the baby fat off and was twice the athlete than the year before. I continued to lift through high school, college, and even into my first few years of fighting. I stopped because of the cost and didn't have time to lift with my demanding training schedule. Eventually, I finally found my way back to the weight room but had experienced a series of injuries. I knew I needed iron!
AKA had a brand new gym and weight room to use. I took advantage of it and created a system of resistance training that kept me strong, injury-free, and didn't take away from the rest of my daily training. I believe in consistency with strength training. That's why I've been using the same basic system for almost a decade now. A little every day goes a long way. I wrote about it here.
I'm not writing this because I want just athletes to lift, I want EVERYONE to lift. There is a load of info out there on the benefits of resistance training. If you want a happier, create a better life, and look good naked at the same time, then lifting is for you. I'm a firm believer that resistance training and intense HIIT cardio are the best things for your overall health.
Even with all the great options available today, fitness can be a struggle for some people. I thought I would make it easy for you, though. I ordered a set of resistance bands to see how good a workout I can get with them. I have a weight room built in my garage, but I wanted to know if I could do all the exercises in my system and get the same results. If that were possible, then anyone could use my program, anywhere, and still get jacked.
I spent over two months of training with my resistance bands and only my resistance bands. I was able to create multiple versions of the core exercises I use. You will be able to work yourself the same way you do when you use the iron. You will even be able to push your legs. Something I didn't think was possible with bands.
If you are looking for an affordable way to get fit and look jacked, then a set of resistance bands is for you. You can keep a set in your bedroom and do sets as you go through your morning routine. You won't have to waste time driving to the gym and waiting for equipment. The gyms will be opening under special rules now too. That could make the waits even longer.
You won't even have to spend time putting together your gym outfit. You can workout naked in your living room. You could also go to the park with some friends and get a lift on out in the sun. Just get it done.
A lot of things are going on in the world that you have no control over. One thing you do have control of is your health. Put yourself in the best possible position for the future. The best way to do this is to stay in good shape. Lift, wrestle, train, and get some sun, daily. Your health is your responsibility. Take control of your health and fitness and watch your life improve.
I'm going to put together a lifting course for you all using the resistance bands. I'll show you the exercises from my system done with the bands. Stay tuned.
Here are the INTEY Pull up Assist Band Exercise Resistance Bands I use.
Muscle Up: How Strength Training Beats Obesity, Cancer, and Heart Disease, and Why Everyone Should Do It is an excellent book that explains the health benefits of resistance training.