By Kate McQuade
A consistent exercise routine is key to maintaining your fitness level, even when you are on the road and away from your gym. This can be accomplished by using travel exercise bands, which are essentially giant rubber bands with handles on the end. They come in several sizes and tensions, and they offer a great advantage while traveling.
Space
One of the major draws to travel exercise bands is the space they consume, which is barely any at all. The bands easily fold up and curl into a small, flexible mass that you can pack on the outer edge of your luggage with no fear of damaging them or your belongings.
Weight
These bands are so light, that they will add minimal, if any, weight to your luggage. No need to worry about them tipping the scales of your carry-on or checked bag so that you incur a fee.
Resistance
When used correctly, exercise bands offer an extreme amount of resistance to your exercise routine. You should note that unlike free weights that react to gravity, the travel exercise bands will be constantly offering resistance so you will be working your muscles through each movement, not just during the initial lift as with weights.
Rehabilitation
Travel exercise bands may also be prescribed as part of your rehabilitation routine after a surgery or injury. For example, if you are recovering from elbow surgery, try standing on the center of your travel exercise band with the handles in you arms by your side. Keep your elbows pinned to your side while you curl up your forearms. The resistance you feel from the band being pulled will engage your biceps, making this exercise an effective way to tone and shape your arms while on the road to recovery.
Price
Travel exercise bands are relatively inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment, which makes having to find a gym and paying for a day or week pass while traveling unnecessary.
Considerations
Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions to ensure the bands help assist your healing process as intended. Listen to your body; never try to jerk or force your body into a stretch or exercise position, as injury may occur. Hydrate yourself during and after exercise and remember to breath properly while exercising.
Resources
About the Author:
As a history major at the University of Maryland, Kate McQuade spent both her undergraduate and graduate years focused on research, technical writing and independent thinking. McQuade spent many years in the IT and medical fields which lend to a well versed background in a plethora of arenas. She has been writing for almost fifteen years and is ever ready for new challenges.
