Toning with Tubing

Strength training with resistance tubing or bands can be a great way to keep in shape when your free weights or favorite strength machine is unavailable.  Resistance tubing is also lightweight and very easy to transport, so you have no excuses!  With tubing exercises, you can keep your entire body toned and energized without being in a gym or using any exercise equipment.  Best of all, you can exercise with your resistance tubing anywhere!

Here are just a few examples of the exercises you can perform with resistance tubing.
(Before performing any of the following exercises, always begin with a 5-10 minute warm-up, such as, walking in place or calisthenics.)

THE SQUAT 

• Stand in a wide stance and position both feet on tubing.  Grasp handles and position at shoulder height.  Lower hips until thighs are parallel to the floor (or as comfortable, without going beyond 90 deg.)  Knees do not extend over the toes.
  

UPRIGHT ROW 

• Stand in a staggered, narrow or wide stance.  Place tubing under the arch of your foot or both feet and soften knees.  Grasp handles with both hands in front of body, slightly below waist level.  Pull handles upward along the abdomen and chest toward the chin.  At the top position, the elbows are higher than the wrists and even with or above the shoulders.