By Radley West
As a gym owner, I’m about to say something slightly scandalous: you don’t need a gym to get strong.
Yes, I just heard my dumbbells gasp.
Truth is, there’s one humble piece of equipment that can help you build serious strength, tone your muscles, and even improve your balance and it fits in your sock drawer: the resistance band.
These stretchy little superheroes often get mistaken for rehab tools or warm-up toys. But let me tell you, bands are not to be underestimated. They create constant tension in your muscles, which means you’re working hard through the entire range of motion, not just at the top or bottom of a movement like with traditional weights.
And unlike your gym membership, they don’t take holidays.
Why Bands Rock:
1. They’re Travel-Friendly
Throw them in a backpack, purse, or glove compartment. Whether you’re in a hotel room, at the park, or pretending your living room is a fitness studio, bands go wherever you go. No excuses.
2. They Challenge Stability
Unlike machines that guide your movement, bands force you to engage stabilizer muscles, which helps improve balance and joint health, especially important as we age. (I’m looking at you, wobbly lunges.)
3. They’re Beginner and Beast-Friendly
You can scale any movement by choosing different band thicknesses. Just starting out? Use a light band. Feeling spicy? Double up. Want to regret everything tomorrow? Add tempo.
4. They’re Joint-Friendly
Bands provide a smoother resistance curve that’s easier on your joints, so they’re great for folks coming back from injury or just wanting to stay pain-free while getting strong.
A Few Band Moves to Try:
- Banded squats (glutes on fire)
- Bicep curls
- Overhead presses
- Rows (hook the band on a door or pole)
- Monster walks (your thighs will hate you in the best way)
Look, I love the gym. It’s my happy place. But strength doesn’t live inside four walls. It lives in your consistency, your intention, and sometimes . . . in a stretchy rubber loop that makes your muscles scream politely.
So if you’re not ready for the gym, or you just like working out in pajamas, grab a band and start building strength on your terms. And when you’re ready for more? The gym will still be here, cheering you on.
Even if I did just say you don’t need me.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
