What about the risks related to the use of resistance bands? We often hear of their benefits and exercises, but seldom do the injuries they can inflict upon us. Fortunately, there are ways and tips to reduce the damage and use them properly. The two main problems are letting of a handle and the snapping of the bands. Either way, it results in hitting the user violently and possibly injuring them.

Risks and Information

Despite their many benefits and endless possibilities of exercises, bands also have risks related to them that are way too often overlook, such as them snapping and hurting the user or letting go of an handle or them slipping from under your feet. They might also harm someone close by.

Maintenance of the Bands

As with all exercising equipment, there are proper care and storage rules so as to ensure a safe training and good function.

• Cleaning: Do not clean the cords with soap or cleaning products since they might deteriorate their strength and always wipe them with a damp cloth.
• Storage: You need to make sure they’re not stored near direct sunlight nor heat sources or outside and in cold environments as these deteriorate the tubes.
• Use: The tubes as well as their weak areas, meaning the ends where the handles are connected to them, should always be checked before use in case there’s any damage.

Guidelines for a Safe Workout

There are a few safety basics to follow when exercising with resistance tubes. No matter the types, even if they’re well-known and generally safe, just like the best resistance band we have reviewed, you must follow these too little known guidelines.

Tips to Prevent Injuries

Several exercises are available to all levels of users, from beginners to the more experienced ones.  Here are a few exercises for you to do gradually and changes to add in order to prove you there’s no requirement to be strong to train with bands since it adapts to everyone:

Inspection: You must always read the labels for safety recommendations and warnings as they vary from brands and types. It is also best to check them before every use for tear in the fabric, discolored parts, and any sign of weaknesses about the handles which are the most likely to snap.

Use: You must learn how to use a band properly and not rely on your instructor in case he wants you to do something that is not safe. Always question him. Then, if during your training you’ll need to step on it, you have to wear good shoes with soles that are nonabrasive in order to prevent you from damaging them. Plus, it decreases the risks of it slipping from under your feet.

It is advisable to buy several bands as shortening them for more tension shortens their life a lot, even though it’s useful and a common practice. Another tip is to stop looking at the band during your training as it can snap back and injure your eyesight. Make sure you’re not training on an uneven floor or abrasive one as it could damage the tubes if you need to step on them.

Storage: Whatever you do, you mustn’t tie it down or it will create areas of friction and weaken the band. Moreover, do not store or use it in direct sunlight, hot or moist places, near pools for it deteriorates the cords’ strength.

Others: It’s a risk that the people around you could get hurt if your bands break, so it’s preferable if you kept your distance and gave yourself a lot of space for your training. Remove all jewelry while training for they can cause damage to the cords by rubbing on them.

Also, make sure you don’t overstretch them through extension to more than twice their original length or it will deteriorate them. It is also best to buy braided bands as they offer an extra level of safety thanks to its unravelling if one of their braids breaks.

Best Not to Forget the Safety Tips

Resistance cords may be very useful as they’re easily stored away and employed, but they can still be dangerous when not used properly. The worst that can happen is you letting go of a handle or the band snapping and injuring you severely. Fortunately, there exists a few tips to help prevent these accidents, including reading the labels for safety recommendations and warnings and checking the bands for tears in the fabric before every use.