Friends who work out together get better results. I know this for a fact, as that is one of the things that got me hooked on exercise. I got into a strength training routine when I scheduled time working out with my friend Colleen at least twice a week. Having a workout buddy is like having a cheerleader and someone that will hold you accountable.
A nice way to workout together is with resistance bands or tubing. Resistance bands were typically used in a physical therapy or rehabilitation setting, but are now used in many gyms and with personal trainers. Bands are convenient and you can travel to your workout buddy's house with them easily. They are also an inexpensive way to get started on a fitness regimen.
Most band manufacturers make several levels of resistance bands which coincides with the thickness of the tube. Each level of resistance is designated by a different color. The colors are not standardized from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here are several exercises, some of which are done together, some solo from my Fitness Answer Workout Plan:
Back Exercises:
Band Row--Loop your band together with your partner's band. Hold band at waist level in an underhand grip. Row your band back while pointing your elbows behind you and keeping them in tight.
Rear Delt Row--Loop your band together with your partner's band. Hold band at shoulder height in an overhand grip. Row your band back, pulling elbows behind you and squeezing shoulder blades together.
Bicep Exercise:
Band Bicep Curls--Stand on the band and hold handles with palms facing out. Keeping abs in and knees slightly bent, bend arms and bring palms toward shoulders in a bicep curl. Position feet wider for more tension. Return to start and repeat.
Shoulders Exercise:
Band/Upright Row--Step on band securely with both feet. Hold handles in an overhand grip and row upwards, bringing elbows to shoulder height.
Triceps Exercise:
Band Side Tricep Extension--Hold the band in both hands at shoulder level with right arm bent so that it's in front of the chest, left arm straight out. Keeping the left arm straight to hold tension on the hand, contract the triceps to straighten the right arm. Return to start and repeat before switching sides.
Quads Exercise:
Band Squats--Stand on band, feet hip distance apart. Hold handles of band, so that band runs behind your arms, with palms facing forward at shoulder height. Stand upright with knees slightly bent. Slowly lower your hips down as if going to sit on a chair. Try not to bring your knees past your toes. Slowly come back to standing without locking out knee. Repeat.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiance, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.