Ways to use a resistance band

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get in a workout and/or a great stretch is to use a resistance band.

But the tool, which resembles and acts like a large rubber band, can be a little intimidating for those who have never used one. Is it going to snap? What if I lose my grip and shoot it across the room at my spouse? Or worse, my dog?

Fear not. With a little practice, you can start working out and toning muscle like a pro. Here are a handful of ways to use your resistance band:
* First, understand the code: the thicker the band, generally the more resistance. Lighter colored bands tend to have lighter resistance and darker ones, more. But you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s description to verify. You can also get bands with or without handles, in the size of a figure 8, and in mini sizes.
* Do an upper body exercise where you hold the band in front of your chest and pull your arms apart and back together. You get resistance both ways.
* Standing rows. An exercise in which you place the band under your foot and pull it up and back.
* A type of jumping jack exercise where you use a resistance band to work your arms — extending arms out to the side and back again — as you jump with your feet apart and back together.
* A boxing move where you anchor the band securely to a doorknob, wall, or pole, and stand facing away from it. Holding the handles or ends of the band with elbows by your side, step one foot forward and punch forward with palms down.
* There are a variety of ways to loop the band on your foot and exercise the legs as well.