I figure it is high time I posted something that actually might help someone so I guess I'll give that a try.  I have been so self absorbed lately...The fact that the Golden Globes is not going to be on tonight thanks to the writers strike has been bothering me for weeks.  Actually that is not true.  I didn't know anything about "the Globes" until my wife mentioned it a few minutes ago.  For years I was under the impression that the Golden Globes was a team of burlesque dancers nearing retirement age. 

My spirits were lifted though by the Chargers win.  I am praying that they beat the Pats.  As a Raider fan I have no problem with an AFC West team taking the title.  They can do it....maybe.  

For approximately the past month my chronic low grade back pain that I have had for years has basically disappeared and my theracane is collecting dust.   I think it is at least partially because I added some resistance band work to my pre-exercise warm up.  It may also have much to do with the Chi Kung stuff I added thanks to Steve Cotter.  I hadn't considered that till just now.  Anyway, I got the idea for the bands from some stuff posted over at IGX .  What I am doing is pretty much what Dick Hartzell does in the video.  It is easier for you to watch the video than for me to explain it.  The videos are at the end of this post.

These bands are really versatile.  I also use them with my ironmind hip belt for resistance on dips and chins.  This seems to really focus the resistance near the top of the movement (obviously since the stretch on the band is greatest there) where most sticking points are.  You can also add them to a kettlebell to help increase your press.   You can use them for indoor sprints as well.  A nice feature is that you can stick them in your suitcase when you travel so if you have a regimen you are used to doing, you can do it wherever you might happen to be.  The two main brands are jumpstretch www.jumpstretch.com and iron woody  www.ironwoodyfitness.com/fitness-bands.php   Quality seems similar but the jumpstretch bands are a bit more aesthetically pleasing as they are entirely color coded (the whole band is colored)  They also cost a bit more $$$.  The IW bands are flesh colored with a small band of color to indicate the strength of the band.  I predict a brand war and lots of postings on the "one true way" of training with bands.


Here are some pics.  First you can see how I hook the bands to the belt.  The ironmind belt has carabiners for the front or back.  It was originally designed for hip belt squats.  The nylon loops that came with it are handy as well.  They can hold thousands of pounds.  I actually hung my heavy bag from the ceiling with one because management said the chain was too noisy.   The other pics show chins and dips and the band assisted (well, assisted in a negative way) kettlebell press.




 
Coming soon a new circuit guaranteed to make you sorry you got out of bed.