Workout tips All strength exercises work by stressing your muscles. Stress them regularly, and your body adapts by building newmuscle fibers. The key is to work the muscles, but then let them rest to recover and grow. You can use the bands daily, but only exercise the same muscle group two to three times a week, with at least 48 hours of rest in between. In other words, you might work your arms one day, focus on your shoulders the next, and legs the day after.
A little next-day soreness is often natural. It’s a sign you’ve worked your muscles — and that they’re growing new fibers. But listen to your body. Too much soreness could mean you’ve overdone it. You’ll know you’re working with the right resistance if your muscles tire between eight and 12 repetitions of an exercise. Once you hit that point, rest for a bit and repeat the exercise a fewmore times. Too little resistance won’t build muscle, while too much could cause strains. Here’s one way to think about it: Compare the band’s resistance to a full grocery bag, which typically weighs around 10 lbs.
Check with your doctor before you start any new workout program. They can offer personalized advice and maybe even provide you with specific exercises.
Tess Langfus is an Eden Prairie, Minn.-based freelance writer.
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