Longevity Partner Content. Are you working on a plan to tone down and get in shape in time for the upcoming holidays? If so, this one is for you. When it comes to effective training methods, nowadays, we are so spoiled for choice. But something that always wins us over is a good gym class with resistance bands that gives you a full-body workout – and lets you have fun at the same time!
Why do we love resistance bands?
With resistance bands, you have the opportunity to both sculpt and strengthen your glutes, all the while torching calories. They are also great for toning and stretching your muscles. On top of that, resistance bands allow you to improve your power and strength. Not to mention, they can help you to improve the stability of your lower body and core.
Basically, a workout with resistance bands charges up the workout you’re used to – giving you a tougher, more intense session in a safe package.
How does it work?
Resistance bands create increased tension between your muscles. This means that they are forced to contract to control the movements of your workout. It works much in the same way that weights do, but instead of gravity supplying the resistance, tension is what makes your muscles work.
Additionally, with resistance bands, your joints are safer because there is not the same amount of pressure than what is present with weights. This is especially important if you’re recovering from an injury. The best part is you don’t have to worry about your age or fitness level. With resistance bands, you can optimize the workout and stretches based on what your needs are and it will still be effective.
We’ve Discovered The Workout You’re Going To Love
What do you get when you combine all the benefits of high-intensity interval training, Pilates, and resistance training into one high-powered workout session? It’s called Active Bands, and it’s been developed to deliver fitness goals with a full-body workout.
It was developed in conjunction with UK fitness entrepreneur Rachel Holmes and Ceri Hannan, Virgin Active’s National Product Manager for South Africa. Active Bands uses resistance bands combined with a variety of other moves to give you an all-over body workout. Expect supine bridge moves, mat-based Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) – such as jumping jacks, mountain climbers and jump squats.
The class also includes moves from Tabata, a form of HIIT that lasts four minutes. It also features EMOM (every minute on the minute), a type of interval workout where a specific task is performed every minute for a set amount of time.
What can you expect?
- Resistance exercises using resistance bands
- Elements of HIIT training and Pilates
- The chance to activate all your muscles at once
- The opportunity to improve your core stability and posture
- The chance to get your glutes looking great
- A resistance band workout like you’ve never had it before
Active Bands Torches Body Fat
Besides being a calorie guzzler, Active Bands focuses on the lower body and core. And, unlike other resistance-band exercises and workouts that only isolate the glutes. Exercise bands are placed higher on the thigh. This helps to activate other muscles in your body and minimize the risk of injury.
The class is so good that it’s even been endorsed by local celebrity Zuraida Jardine, KFM presenter Sibongile Mafu and fitness influencer and personal trainer Queen Fitnass. “My glutes were kicked but I did it all with a smile,” says Mafu while Jardine adds, “Should you come to this class? Hell yes, it’s amazing!”
For a full list of Virgin Active clubs where active bands are available, click here:
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