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Barbells have been around for a really long time and they are a super classic tool in the strength training world. They don’t just pile up lean muscle mass, they also help you develop a good posture, and enhance your overall strength. But honestly, if you’re new to this life or still have some old injuries, it is likely that the 45-pound barbell will seem more like something disempowering than empowering. That’s exactly where a banded resistance bar can enter the stage.
While not a weightlifter per se, I was put in the position of looking for an easier way to continue lifting without giving up work on the joints. Thus, I decided to put away the barbell and try out the banded resistance bar. I had in mind that it was going to solve my problems instantly, but actually, my experience was far more mind-blowing than what I expected.
What Is a Banded Resistance Bar?
A banded resistance bar is typically a dual or single handgrip resistance band that is attached to a metal or plastic bar. The surface of this product may be asylastic as well as it can be applied for multiple exercises such as squats, deadlifts, chest presses, and overhead press. It is a modified full body strength training workout using a barbell that was safer for my joints.
It Helped Me Focus on Form
You can work on your technique when there are no heavy blocks to push. Using the resistance band as well as the short bar, I was able to get a slow tempo, get focused on muscle contractions, and correct the wrong spots without the panic of hurting myself. I found my squats to be more effective, and my lower back never bothered me during my deadlifts, a new experience for me since it hadn’t happened long ago.
It Let Me Train Safely Through Injury
The fact that I was experiencing pain in my shoulder did not allow me to push the heavy weights up from my shoulders or engage in bench presses, for a long time. With the help of the banded resistance bar, at last, I was able to achieve what I have needed for so long-problem-free chest presses. The change was so big and I felt it the very next day. I had a little muscle soreness, and, at that point, I knew that I have activated some muscles I didn’t even know of before.
I Practiced Advanced Movements Without Fear
Whenever I tried doing overhead presses with a barbell, it has always felt too risky for my shoulder, but trying the banded version has given me the assurance. With a lighter resistance and no fear of strain, I was able to do the practice perfectly. This has in effect made the first significant step so that I can be safe and confident once returning to the barbell work that my body is ready for after giving birth.
It Strengthened My Core Stability
The one that distinguishes resistance bands from dumbbells or machines is that they constantly keep varying the tension during the movement. That meant I had to put in more effort to stabilize my core, which is particularly true for bracing myself when doing squats. On top of that, a side benefit was that my core muscles were in essence being overworked just to keep the body in balance, something which will most certainly come in handy when one decides to lift something heavier at a later time.
A resistance band that is banded to a bar is not just a normal weight alternative to a barbell, it’s a good way to work on form, handle injuries, and get the most out of your exercises. Whether you are just beginning your fitness journey, or you are looking for low-impact prescriptions during your pregnancy or recovery, this tool is worth considering as part of your home equipment.
