Perform Better Discussion Forums

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone out there knows if working with resistance bands and tubing provides the same bone density/strength benefits as traditional weight lifting with machines or free weights?

Thank you!

Band training is an awesome form of resistance training; and in some cases it may be a better alternative for improving strength, than other forms of resistance training. Band training offers a form of progressive resistance, which makes the concentric portion of the exercise more difficult, as well as proprioceptively stimulating the nervous sysytem -through the unstableness of the exercise tubing.

Kate-

The use of the bands is a great alternative to resistance training with dumbbells or barbells but as for the benefits of bone remodeling there is a huge difference. The axial skeleton cannot be loaded with bands to the degree that it could be with a barbell while doing squats, overhead press, lunges etc. The real difference is how the body is loaded while doing the exercise and the weight that can be introduced to the skeleton; it is far greater with barbells and dumbbells. The same holds true for the appendicular skeleton. The potential loads at which the body can be stressed are far greater with barbells and dumbbells than the bands, and this direct loading of the human skeleton is what is needed for bone remodeling. I hope this helps you out without being too over the top!

Bands are great. Barbells and dumbbells are great. Simply use each of the pieces to supplement your programming as you need to and please let us know here at Perform better if you have any questions.

Kevin