Also known as “resistance bands,” rubber band exercises can turn any exercise into a true workout. As the name suggests, resistance bands or rubber bands work to add additional resistance to any leg, ab or body workout routine. Instead of just fighting gravity and repetition, the rubber bands add another level of intensity that will help you tone your body and increase muscle strength faster than if you had done the exercises without it!

Upper body routines should be enhanced with rubber bands. For savvy fitness enthusiasts, they’ve replaced their dumbbells and weights with rubber bands for a number of reasons. Unlike dumbbells, which can be bulky and awkward after a number of repetitions as they slide around in sweaty hands, rubber bands provide resistance throughout the entire workout and remain stationary for an easier workout experience.

One of the most popular rubber band exercises is while using your arms. Place the rubber band over your arm and place your hands inside the circle. Start doing a typical set of bicep curls just as normally would if you had a set of weights in your hands. Notice a difference? When you have to fight the band, you add extra resistance that actually helps you build muscle throughout the entire bicep curl.

Now try the same rubber band exercises with lateral raises, overhead presses, tricep curls and more. You can get an extraordinary upper body workout using this rubber band and its versatility makes your entire fitness routine even more flexible! Pack it with you on trips or store it tucked away in the corner of your home somewhere in order to enjoy an easy-to-use piece of exercise equipment that can help you build and tone your upper body.

What about your legs? Rubber band exercises are great for leg lifts and toning your entire le g. Lay on the floor on your side with your legs perpendicular to you. Place the rubber band around both legs and lift your leg up and down. Notice the additional burn in your glut and thigh muscles? The additional resistance can be manipulated through a series of inner and outer thigh workouts, calf routines and more.

Now place your legs straight out to make your entire body one long line. Keep the rubber band on with both of your legs inside the circle. Lift your leg and pulse it up. You’ll notice the burn soon enough! Just try holding your leg up for any length of time and you’ll feel your muscles fire up as they work to not only fight gravity, but work against the resistance of the rubber band as well. Use a rubber band just a few times a day and you’ll quickly find more and more uses for this very handy piece of exercise equipment.

Get a more effective leg, thigh and butt workout when you look for more rubber band exercises that are specifically targeted to the area of the body you are most concerned about! You’ll love the extra toning and more efficient workout thanks to the rubber band’s benefits.