5 Creative Ways to Use Resistance Bands on the Mat
I know I’ve talked a bit about how much I love resistance bands.
They add a friendly resistance that slows us down, requires mindful present participation to use our muscles, and allows us to strengthen and lengthen our muscles simultaneously.
This kind of practice helps us somatically cultivate a sense of stability, steadiness as well as move more gracefully and fluidly through change and transition.
When we practice yoga poses, it can be very easy not to engage the full body. We may overemphasize one part of the body and fail to activate another much-needed muscle group. I find that the straps offer an education, engaging our entire body.
The bands recruit our entire body all at once; everything has to “show up.” Once you start practicing with straps, you’ll find that—even without the straps—you’ll engage your muscles in yoga poses very differently!
We can also get creative about how we use them on the mat. In fact, I’d love to share with you 5 fun ways to use them. I’ll be sharing more in Strength & stretch with Resistance Bands, my new online practice series. If you’d like to practice with me, you can start with the first practice now! Otherwise, here are a few ideas you can try at home.
1) Cat-Cow:
With the band, you’ll feel every micro-movement as you strengthen your back and open your heart.
2) Chair to Full Body Stretch
When we flow from a variation of Chair Pose to our arms stretched overhead, a band helps awaken dormant muscles. Bonus: The slow, controlled movement helps stabilize our joints as we rise and descend.
3) Upright Row
I can’t tell you the last time I practiced Chaturanga. But with the bands, this Upright Row gently strengthens our shoulders and upper traps and help us focus on form without the added strain or risk of injury.
4) Side Bending
Been sitting all day? Grab a band and do your side bends! The added resistance helps strengthen the obliques and improve core stability, reversing the compression that builds up from a day slouched at your desk.
5) Warrior I Variation
Because you’re stabilizing different areas of your body as they move in different directions, this dynamic Warrior I helps build body awareness and fosters a sense of whole-body integration.
Ready to give it a try in a full practice? My new 6-class series weaves resistance band strengthening with mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices—fostering steadiness in a swirling world. Learn more here and start the first practice now!
Strength & Stretch with Resistance Bands
6-CLASS SERIES
LIVE ONLINE MAY 15 - JUNE 26