Power Bands are one of the most cost effective, versatile and easy to use training tools around.  Add the fact that they're portable and you have the perfect training tool for any setting: gym, outdoors, home, travel.

Power Bands are different from the thera bands most people have seen or used in a few ways:

  • Power Bands are looped making them easy to hold and easy to anchor
  • Power Bands are much stronger than thera bands, ranging from about 35lbs of resistance right though to about 300lbs
  • Power Bands are made of multiple layers of lamination, meaning they are far more durable than thera bands and it takes A LOT more to break them.

Here is a simple program that pretty much anyone can do anywhere using the 41 inch Power Bands:

Warm-up

The yellow (super mini) band is the lightest of the bands, making it perfect for warming up and mobility work.

This simple sequence is great to use before you get into your main bands workout:

  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Lateral band walks
  • Thrusters

Band Squats

This is a great way to add resistance to your squats and given the range of resistances of the Power Bands, you can really make these quite challenging.

Band Chest Press

This is really easy to set up and a very comfortable way of performing a chest press.

Band Row

You can anchor the bands in several different ways to perform this exercise:

  • Choke the band off on a bar (make sure it's smooth so it doesn't damage the band)
  • Use a utility strap on a pole - this will help protect the band and prolong its life
  • Use a door jam, this is a great option and all you need is a door!

You can also use band handles to make it a little bit more comfortable.

If you want more of a challenge, you can throw a reverse lunge into the exercise.

Shoulder Press

This is a great way to perform a shoulder press and allows you to safely develop an ideal overhead lockout position because you can lean through at the top of the press, improving shoulder flexibility and thoracic mobility.

Lower Back Tractioning/Mobility

Giving your lower back some TLC is the perfect way to finish a training session.  This exercise might look a little strange but I promise your lower back will feel incredible afterwards.

Resistance Bands Unleased

For more power band training ideas you can't go past Dave Schmitz's 2 DVD set Resistance Bands Unleased.  This is the most comprehensive band training DVD around and is the perfect resource for any athlete, trainer or general fitness enthusiast.

More Information and Power Bands Workshops

For more information on the Power Bands check out the Iron Edge website.

The exercises that can be performed with the Power Bands are almost limitless and due to their popularity Australian Kettlebells will soon be providing Power Bands workshops - keep your eye on the website for more information!