Tubing has long been recognized as a valuable tool in rehabilitation because it safely and effectively strengthens weak muscles. Fitness professionals, athletes, business travelers, and home-gym junkies also have realized the benefits of using resistance tubing, but for purposes other than just rehabilitation. Tubing is a great alternative to free weights and cable machines. Not only can you get a great full-body workout from tubing, but you also can get progressive resistance throughout the entire range of motion and a greater stretch from extended flexing, which you don’t get from free weights. Tubing is also lightweight and portable so you can take it anywhere, anytime. It easily stores away in a purse or briefcase. Here are a few pointers for selecting a resistance level and tube type.

Resistance Selection

Tubing comes in a variety of resistance levels ranging from extra light to ultra heavy. Usually the tubing is color coded to indicate the level of resistance. While there is no industry standard for color in relationship to resistance level, most tubing goes from a lighter color (least resistance) to a darker color (most resistance). If you are uncertain about which resistance level is most suitable for your fitness level, you are better off choosing one that’s too light rather than too heavy. You can always compensate for the lighter weight with more reps.

Tubing Type

Tubing is available in many different styles, shapes, and sizes. The broad selection on the market offers something to suit every ability. Your choices range from tubing with handles (or without), ankle cuffs, or door attachments to tubing shaped as a figure-8 or a circle, or simply flat tubing (bands). So, what is the best type of tubing to use? It depends on what you want to target. A great, all-encompassing tube would be one with (or without) handles. This type of tubing can be used as part of a total body strength-training regimen; use it to strengthen the shoulders, arms, abs, legs, and back. If you are looking to target the lower body, choose circular tubing or tubing with ankle cuffs. Both allow motion in all directions, making them great for improving hip strength, agility, and lateral movement. A door attachment works well for exercises such as crossovers, pullovers, and lat pull downs.

Equipment Care

Keeping your tubing products in good condition will help ensure a safe workout. Under normal conditions, tubing products used in a commercial setting should be replaced annually due to ordinary wear and tear (two years if used strictly for personal use). However, excessive use may require that the tubing be replaced sooner. Some important things to remember in caring of your tubing:

* Keep tubing away from heat, cold, or sharp objects.
* Inspect tubing before use to ensure there are no nicks or cuts.
* Avoid exposing tubing to sunlight and water for prolonged periods. If using tubing in chlorinated water, rinse thoroughly after each use, allow it to dry completely, and then dust with a little talcum powder.

Stretch tubing and bands offer a dynamic training environment for a variety of exercises at different difficulty levels. So, have fun, be creative, and keep it safe!


STAY STRONG~~!!!
IPL