Resistance training is a part of many athlete’s routines, with benefits of building strength, maintaining mobility, developing quick reaction times and more. Resistance equipment can be added into everyday exercises and workout programs to access the same benefits, while also increasing muscle health and endurance. If you’ve hit a fitness plateau, whether from doing the same routine too often, or not increasing your reps/weights, try adding high-quality resistance equipment to your program to break through those barriers. Here’s some ideas to get you started!
Kickboxing
If kickboxing is a part of your regular workout routines, whether you train with at home videos, group fitness classes or privately in the ring, you know that strength and reaction time are important. Improve your cross punch with the Turfcordz® Cuff Tuff. Start by anchoring the loop end with your right foot, and grasping the handle in your right hand. Keeping your feet and lower body in a boxing stance, bring your fists to chin height, with elbows tucked in at your sides. Perform several cross punches working against the resistance of the Cuff Tuff, or work on some combo moves with a jab cross.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi benefits the mind as much as the body, with regular practice relieving stress and calming anxiety. Since all movements are driven from the mind, and radiate from the center of the body with this practice, tai chi can appear slow. This appearance sometimes gives the false impression that it is easy, or not a method of developing strength. Use the StrechCordz® with Leg Straps to strengthen your muscles while also building stability and balance. After anchoring your StrechCordz® product, and placing the velcro straps around your ankles, walk out to a distance that just starts to hold tension on the tubes. Move through your practice as you would, with the added challenge of releasing tension and relaxing against the pull of the resistance bands.
Active Rest and Stretching
Active recovery requires some sort of movement at a lower level of intensity compared to your normal routine. Examples of active recovery can include gentle yoga, light resistance training, or simply going for a walk or easy jog. Equally important to active recovery, is stretching. Stretching maintains muscle density and health, while also developing flexibility and range of motion. The MediCordz® Stretch Strap can be used in a variety of ways on the lower body to lengthen those powerhouse muscles including the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings. Start by laying on your back, and place the strap around your ankle. Grabbing the handle in the opposite hand, slowly start to pull down on the handle, extending your leg to the ceiling. Try range of motion stretches by laying perpendicular to the Stretch Strap anchor point and moving your leg from side to side over your body.
Resistance training, and resistance products, are not reserved for Olympic athletes and fitness professionals. By finding smaller ways to incorporate resistance into the exercise you love, you can renew your passion while also breaking plateau barriers and keeping your muscles guessing by moving in new ways. And, the added health benefits of endurance, strength and stability aren’t bad either. Shop our full catalog of premium resistance products and get inspired to change up your workouts!
