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Strength train with resistance bands

 By Veronica Lorson Fowler

Just to look at them, you might not think resistance bands could give you much of a workout. But these colorful, stretchy bands effectively challenge your muscles, whether you want high resistance to build muscle mass or low resistance to define your muscles. And because resistance bands allow a wide range of motion and subtle changes in angle, your routine can have plenty of plateau-busting variety. On top of that, you can stash them easily in a closet and carry them when you travel.

The project covers the basics of strength training with resistance bands and gives a couple of exercises for each body part, as well as variations on those exercises. You can find more exercises online, by talking to a personal trainer or by taking a strength-training class.

Freelance writer Veronica Lorson Fowler writes about lifestyle, fitness, food and nutrition. After she discovered weight lifting, she dropped 15 pounds.

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