Day 40, No More Dumbells

This week I'm going to show you how to use a simple resistance band to do any "gym" type exercise. They sometimes sell just the rubbery bands, but you need to get one that has handles that clip on both ends for the best effect.

So, today, we'll see how the band can work for any type of freeweight movement that you might usually use a dumbell for.

Let's start with the curl. First, step on the band with both feet.

and, keeping your elbows steady, "curl" the band.












It's as easy as that. But you'll get a very different effect from the resistance band, because, unlike a dumbell, which becomes easier at the top of the movement because gravity isn't pushing so hard on the fulcrum of your arm, the resistance band gets more difficult at the end. The result is small, highly toned, Bruce Lee muscles.

The same idea goes for something like a triceps extension.

Stand on the band, making sure both sides are equal.


And do your reps just like you would with a freeweight.














These exercises are harder than they look!












If you really want a lot of resistance, you can always put both ends of the band on one handle like this.


Step on the band and do your exercise one arm at a time. Grrr... Mighty Soy!