If you've decided to try out
the arms workout we featured this week using the resistance bands,
you won't be let down. Lindsey and I have used the exact pair we
used in the CBS Morning show for many years and they're still
providing wonderful benefits for our health. The beauty of the
resistance bands is that there is a color level for everyone, from
red (beginner) to blue (intermediate) and finally purple (expert),
everyone can get a great, low impact, yet high result workout using
these easy to carry tools.
As a matter of fact I've
used these bands since I was 10 years old to keep myself from
putting too much stress on young, growing muscles and tendons. And
now at 30, I still rely on the resistance bands when Lindsey and I
travel, to warm up muscles/joints prior to a weight workout, or to
sculpt those hard to reach places. I recommend them to my parents,
clients, grandmothers, children and anyone else that breathes or has
a heart beat. The resistance bands are an absolute staple in any
fitness regimen.
However not all resistance
bands are created equal. There is one brand that stands above the
rest, and believe me, I've tried them all. There is only one brand
that hasn't let me down. SPRI has thought of everything; from
the strongest, most durable rubber to the sleek, easy-to-grasp
handles. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair, you probably won't ever
have to buy another pair for the duration of your life. As sappy as
it sounds, I look at my resistance bands just like I looked at my
baseball glove, golf clubs or track shoes; they are the loyal tools
that make me a happier, stronger person.
Once you've finished our
highly effective arms workout, don't waste your hard work by eating
the wrong types of food at the wrong time. Apply the knowledge that
took me years to learn. Whenever I'm trying to tone up and lose
weight (which is always) I wait about 30 minutes after my workout
(to allow my body to recoup from the stress of exercise) and then I
make a protein shake to give my muscles the capital they need to
grow and repair. Again, not all products are the same. Don't put
just any "protein powder" into your temple. You only want to ingest
a protein powder that has ingredients you can actually read and more
importantly, you need to know exactly where your protein powder came
from. We use Evolution Essentials all-natural protein powder.
It meets all the requirements that mean so much to us: it comes from
all-natural, grass fed cows that graze year-round on pesticide-free
and chemical-free natural grass pastures, and it isn't loaded with
unnecessary fillers and cheap substitutes.
Lindsey and I
drink at least one tasty shake per day to keep our protein high and
our sugar and calories low...I even prescribed it to my sweet,
little 90 year old mamaw Reba, and she thinks they're delicious too!
Written by
Daniel Crouch, True Balance Health
and Wellness Personal Trainer & Wellness
Guide.