Like most people, I do not enjoy the process of getting a small band of rubber around my legs before starting an exercise. It is made even worse on days I wear shorts instead of pants to the gym; the goals quickly change from exercise-focused to, “how can I get this band on while still preserving my leg hair?”
The past few months, the mini band and I have had some quality time together, really getting to know each other. And after these gym dates, I have come to understand and appreciate her more. I am seeing more of her good qualities and less of her warts.
Here are just a few areas the mini band excels in.
Strengthening Glutes
Place the band around your knees or ankles, and you are halfway to a great glute exercise. Every time the band pulls in the knee, our instinct is to push out against the band, causing our glutes to turn on.
Example exercises: Lateral Band Walks and Clam Shells
Helps Your Squats, Lunge, and Single Leg Movements
With the same concept from above, placing a band around your knees during squats, hinges, and single-leg movements will engage your glutes.
Stronger glutes help you perform movements more smoothly once you add weight.
Example exercises: Walking Lunges, Single Leg Deadlifts, and Squats
Engages Your Core
When your glutes are working, your pelvis and lower back are in a good position and your core is better positioned to do its job, being excellent at keeping good posture. When your core is doing its job, you will feel the exercises where you should feel them and perform your exercises with better form.
The mini band is a tool to help you feel how an exercise should feel when you are correctly using your glutes and abs. The end goal is not to use the band and perform the exercises with no assistance.
Give the mini band a second chance.
Your Fitness Sherpa,
