OMG, resistance bands do work!!

I'm absolutely floored! I started using my resistance bands "correctly" one week ago today and just finished measuring and couldn't believe the inches I've lost! I actually measured three times cause I didn't believe it, lol! I lost 3 inches off my hips, 2.5 off my bust line, 2 off my waist, 1/2 off my upper arms and even 1/4" off my neck! Those were the main areas of loss, calves stayed the same, but I tend to gain more in the upper body than lower. My doc suggested using resistance bands as a way to tone up and lose inches, but the set I bought at Walmart had a tiny little book and showed several exercises, but it really didn't do anything so I gave up. I decided to try Michael's Thurmond's 6-week body makeover, whi*****ludes a set of resistance bands also, but shows pictures of models using the bands to target every muscle from your neck to your ankles. There is also a DVD, which I found crucial to doing these exercises correctly. What a difference it made! I didn't realize you can just pull these bands until the cows come home and really not achieve much, but it's "how" you pull, the resistance you have and how long you hold these positions. For instance, it says if you want to lengthen your thigh muscles and not build bulk muscle, you need to lessen resistance and hold the position longer, kinda tough to explain without showing you. But it tells you this for each muscle you want to reshape. Anyhow, I just wanted to share because I LOVE seeing fast results and seriously had my doubts about seeing anything in just one week. Of course, you still want to do your fat burning (cardio) exercises to get rid of the fat, can't see toned abs with a layer or so of fat on top of them. I walk, either outside or my treadmill half an hour a day 3 times a week, though I plan on doing more of this to really try to shed the pounds. It's just nice to know my muscles are getting tighter and as the weight comes off they will be visible. I'm sure there has to be a place where you can find out how to do use the resistance bands correctly without having to actually purchase the body makeover plan. I haven't researched it yet, but I will and post if I find any.  Wheee, I'm starting my week off well and what an amazing motivator! So nice to be excited again, lol!

AWSOME!   I may have to look into that!  GOOD FOR YOU!

Thanks Collette and Judy! I'm soooo the anti-exercise chickie, I absolutely hate it! But realize it's super important to lose. Using these bands isn't like regular exercise, I mean, you don't get all out of breath and sweaty, heh. I realize that is a good thingy, but it's nice to know you can change your body and not have to feel like you are dying in the process.

Let me make a recomendation to... for that cardio... eliptical machine... I love mine... I need to get some resistance training to build muscle to transform the body I ended up with... but I can honestly say... I can do more of everything now that I have my cardio tended to... GOOD LUCK... I am going to sporting goods store today for those bands!

Hiya again Collette! Hmm...elliptical machine. Is that the machine you kind of swing your legs back and forth? I'm wondering if that is what I was trying to use about 6 years ago. I remember it was made by Tony Little and I loved that it was basically no impact, but I got the worst cramps in my calves! I wonder if I was doing it wrong? Because I could never do more than 5 mins without dying. Never even made it up to breathing hard, lol! Did you love your machine right away? I mean, did you try other pieces of equipment before finding one that you enjoyed using? You are so right about doing the cardio stuff, gawd, I hate that, lol! The treadmill is soooo very boring, even though I moved mine out to my living room to make myself do it more, but it's pretty loud and I can't really hear the tv while doing it. I have no problem getting in the first 15 mins, playing really loud music, but then, blah, it's boring again. I know my main problem with any exercise or equipment I've purchased in the past is not the usually the equipment, but me actually USING it. I would so love to find something that I enjoyed using. My spare bedroom now has an ab lounger, pilates mat and weights, ab roller, something that is supposed to be just like a bowflex, only cheaper, so much stuff. Oh and then a friend told me about the new "Kettlebell" workout, I actually traveled an hour to find a store that carried it, it makes a good door stop. Do you think maybe it is just ME and I won't ever find a machine that is kinda fun? My parents have a stair climber that I tried and OMG, that majorly sucked! Oh, what do you think about a mini-trampoline? I saw one recently and almost got it, but don't know if it really works or not. I'm sure home exercise equipment has come a long way since I first looked into it. I've got a birthday coming up and my folks don't seem to mind buying something that costs a little more when they know it'll help my body, lol!  Thanks for any and all info!!

Hey there... I know what you are talking about and no thats not one of them but close... here is one I just googled... its like a bike for your feet and a row for your arms...  they come A WHOLE LOT CHEEPER... its just a pic for a refference. http://awardsforexcellence.stores.yahoo.net/life-x3.html I am not a fan of exercise either... I have to get it done first thing in the morning before I am thinking clearly or I am not getting to it at all it seems... I was vigulant for several years after the surgery... and I honestly think I would have only lost 70 or so pounds total had I not... and as soon as I slacked off I could no longer stay stable at the low 160s... so I am at it again... UGGGH.   The good news is though is it does give you more energy during the day somehow... and it truely does give you a sence of acomplishment all day once youve gotten it out of the way... so... I guess its one of those things.

Thanks again Collette, you rock! I'm gonna check out that link asap!  I've been doing my exercising (since I started about 10 days ago) at the end of the day, usually one hour after dinner, like 7ish or so. I thin****ep putting it off cause I hate it so much, lol! Doing it first thing in the morning makes the most sense, I'm not thinking clearly the majority of the time, so that could definitely be beneficial when I first wake up. I've lost 66 pounds in 9 months, so close to what you said and know I would of lost more had I forced myself to exercise. I get so pissed at myself for being so lazy, but instead of dwelling on that, I'm making a change now. I'll keep telling myself that I'm doing something that is good for me and will be happier the more I do it and will see better results in my body, it's time for me to quit making excuses and just do it! Thank you for the extra motivation, each experience you share is more helpful than you realize!

I enjoy the resistance bands...it is one exercise that I actually like.  Keep up the great work.

Oh yeah! Resistance bands are like a mini gym you can carry with you. I learned about them eons ago in physical therapy, so I never thought about the "correct use" part of it. Obviously that came along with the PT. Aren't they great?

Hiya Elizabeth and that's great you knew about them early on! I never thought about the correct use either, I just pulled and pulled away, lol! I still can't believe what a difference it makes to not pull as far or pull further, depending on what particular muscle you are working on. Makes sense now when you think about how the muscle contracts, but sheesh, I didn't think I would practically need a degree in how muscles work to use these bands right, lol! I wish all makers of these bands would include very "detailed" instructions on using them. They are so very inexpensive and like you said, so portable! Yuppers, they are the greatest!