The Resistance Band Workout Book

The Resistance Band Workout Book

Complete instructions for using exercise tubing for fitness.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good book, could use some tuning, but overall good
I would’ve given this 3 1/2 stars although that is not an option (so i rounded up). First let me state that I think this is a great book. The writers provide excellent information and pictures so that a user can do the exercises with ease. They also provide good information to help the user to try to create a program that will help them fulfill their needs.

There were a couple of things that I think the author could’ve improved upon. First, as another reviewer mentioned, they do not tell you the page numbers of the exercises in the end of the book (program section). When creating your program, it takes 3x as long to look up each individual exercise. Second, I did not like that they did not include what muscle (s) or groups were being worked out in each exercise. Granted the writers put the exercises under vague headings like Chest, arm, legs, etc. but they do not tell you specifics like biceps, traps, rear delts… like every other exercise book does. Lastly, I think the writers should have had several sample exercise plans that each cater to one’s specific goals.

If they revise this book and incorporate some of these suggestions, then this book would definitely be 5 stars.

4 Stars Pretty good book
I bought this book for my dad. Its pretty helpful, though I think the pictures could be a bit more detailed. But my dad loves the book. It has a good selection of resistance band exercises!

4 Stars Great book for those who want exercises for the resistance band at home
I didn’t buy this through Amazon. But I thought it was a great book. Many more uses for the band than most books. It discusses stretching, rest periods for the muscles, etc. It is divided into groups of exercises for each of the major muscle groups. Off-hand, I can recall it has exercises for arms, shoulders, chest, trunk and abs, legs, hips, thighs and buttocks. That’s great for targetting. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the workouts in the back don’t refer to the page the exercise is on so I constantly have to go back to look for them and then do them. I still haven’t found one of them yet, lol. But all in all, it did have more excersises for the bands for each muscle group than any of the other books I have so far.

5 Stars An excellent primer.
The Resistance Band Workout Book advocates workout routines using the resistance band - and reinforces theory with almost a hundred exercises using this accessory. The blend of general workouts and sports-specific, goal-oriented exercises comes with illustrations and makes for an excellent primer.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

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The Complete Book of Isometrics The Anywhere Anytime Fitness Book

The Complete Book of Isometrics The Anywhere Anytime Fitness Book

Don’t have time to exercise? Don’t belong to a gym? It doesn’t matter. Now you can get a complete workout, anytime, anywhere, with the secrets of isometrics.

Millions of people can’t seem to find the time to exercise. Now they can with The Complete Book of Isometrics. Fitness expert Erin O’Driscoll has compiled the best isometric exercises that can be done in the office, at home watching TV, flying in an airplane, or even driving a car—no equipment required.

Rather than using expensive machines or lugging around a set of dumbbells, you use common objects and your own body’s resistance to work out the muscles. Isometric exercises are especially helpful to people recovering from injuries that limit range of motion. A special chapter shows how even people with disabilities can use isometrics to build muscle tone and strength.

Using the secret of resistance, isometrics are the basis for yoga, Pilates, and all the core stabilization techniques that are so popular today. Now, learn the original, simple, and effective way to a complete workout without moving a muscle. 150 photos.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Needs picture chart, not lists
I’m glad I borrowed this from the library. Many of the exercises are not isometric, and the exercises using weights make you wonder, why not just do a “super-slow” weight workout, or Joyce Vedral’s “12-Minute Total-Body Workout” (book) instead?

Also, why no picture charts at the end instead of the lists? The names don’t all immediately bring to mind the exercises, and who wants to flip back and forth through the book all the time?

Not as useful a book as it could be.

4 Stars Generalized definition of isometrics
The book introduces us to the concepts of the various types of muscle contractions very well and gives us a clear understanding of what “isometric” means.

There is advise given about exercise programs we are to start, and a section on warm-ups. The main part is the section illustrating and describing the isometric exercises. A chapter on stretches follows. The last section is for workout routines, which include isotonic exercises as well as isometrics.

While the isometric exercises are isometric by definition (muscles don’t lengthen or shorten), I think many of these exercises miss one concept which the book itself introduced in page 2: that the contraction must be 67% of the muscle’s maximal effort for gains in strength. Many just require us to get into a position which we are to hold (and it is only in tables at the end of the book that we get the hint that holds are from 3 to 8 seconds). And depending on how fit we are, such positions will use a lot less than 67% of our strength. Will we get much benefit if the isometric holds are way below 67% of muscle strength and held for a maximum of only 8 seconds?

Could this also be the reason why “advanced workouts” get us to repeat a series (termed superset) thrice, even if isometrics only require one repetition a day (again, from page 2 of the book)?

With all this, I get to wonder if isometrics applying less than 67% of our effort for less than 10 seconds could qualify as exercise.

The book is excellent for the information it provides, but it falls into the trap of including “complete” in its title. Most books with that word in their titles fail to fulfill that word. While it does show no-gadget moves, I did not see the basic press in front of the chest included in the list. This in spite of a variation of it being the picture in the front cover. Neither did I see the expected arm exercises of using the other arm as resistance for a bicep curl isometric, or a tricep extension isometric. It had equivalents using a desk and a wall, but using arm against arm is more applicable “anywhere, anytime.” While it did show use of the wall, door, towel and ball, I would think that a “complete” book would at least comment on isometric gadgets like the Bullworker or Steel Bow which can almost be “anytime, anywhere.” In particular, the Steel Bow can be an “anytime, anywhere” gadget.

I also noticed a few discrepancies between the pictures and their descriptions. The one in page 50 is obviously wrong.

Still, for all the info it provides, the clear pictures and exercise descriptions, I give it four stars.

3 Stars Most of these aren’t isometric!
I enjoyed the isometric exercises my physical therapist taught me to rehabilitate a shoulder I injured at the gym, and I was looking for a book that would have similar exercises for other parts of the body. Although some of the exercises in this book will be useful to me, most of them aren’t actually isometric exercises (my PT agreed when I showed them to her), and a few I won’t be doing because they put the body in precarious positions and I am prone to joint injuries. It’s not a bad book, but it’s not what I was looking for and I wouldn’t have bought it if I’d looked through it at a bookstore.

5 Stars Accurately researched and gracefully displayed
The book explains the differences between isometric, isotonic, and concentric exercises in fair and reasonable manner. It clearly demonstrates the benefits and drawbacks of isometric exercises such that the reader could apply what is beneficial and avoid the harmful effect of straining the circulatory system with longer stress of high blood pressure.

The book displays photographs for a man and a woman and clearly shows the graceful posture and extreme flexibility and fitness of the woman compared to a stiffed and inflexible man. The contrast of the hair style of the two also deserves notice.

The book’s 184 pages are efficiently utilized to maximize the reader’s understanding. After merely 27 pages of precise discussion of the subject of isometric contraction, the book turns illustrated with each page containing at least one or more photograph and relevant and clear text.

Mohamed F. El-Hewie

Author of

Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

5 Stars Excellent Book for All Athletes
Ms. O’Driscoll has created an excellent book on isometric training that can be used by both beginners or advanced trainees. The book provides an excellent introduction into the history of isometrics and their practical application.

She goes on to point out that the individual needs to decide what exercise method is best for their goals. If a person is interested in adding muscular “mass” or creating hypertrophy (muscular growth), isometrics may not be the best choice. However, for strength gains, research has shown isometrics can create the same reults as quickly as standard training with less safety issues.

For trainees who want to work out at home or travel, this would be an ideal book.

Strength coach Pavel Tsatouline recently documented the same research & findings in one of his publications based on Soviet research. So, you know Ms. O’Driscoll’s book is on the money!

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Designing Resistance Training Programs

Designing Resistance Training Programs

The Colorado College, Colorado Springs. Utilizes scientific knowledge for developing personalized training programs. Discusses resistance training programs, how to modify and adapt programs to meet the needs of special populations, and how exercise prescription design works in real life. Also covers bioenergetics. For sports trainers. Previous edition: c1997.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Awesome Book
I purchased a course through a fitness education company, the IFPA. This text book comes with their program design specialist course.

This text is great with a ton of useful information on everything from reps/rest periods, to hormonal response to exercise to periodization. The only problem is that the authors would have made a better read if they left a lot of the technical terms out of it. Its a littly tricky to undersand for your average beginner, but a great resource none the less.

5 Stars An Excellent book of Resistance Training
I just finished this book and have put together what I feel to be an awesome exercise prescription based on the information from the book. It is really a text book on the subject but in no way is it incomprehensible. I thought the entire book had a good flow to it and very detailed. The essence of the book is that workout design must be designed in phases meaning periods of heavy weights low reps with periods of light weight and high reps. I especially liked the information on Isometrics which the book goes into with much detail. This is the best book on resistance I have ever read.

5 Stars Why does your training work?
This book can answer it. An incredible overview of the science of resistance training is presented, with a summary of all of the scientific research done for years and years on the subject. If you are looking for the deeper meaning of resistance training concepts and want to know how and why they work, then this is the book for you. If you are a weekend trainer with no education outside of short little seminars and conferences, then you will not enjoy this book. A backround in exercise physiology as well as a thorough understanding of anatomical terminology is definately reccomended. But for those who know their exercise physiology, then this book is a great expansion into the science of resistance training.

If you enjoyed this book, other reccomendations would be “Science and Practice of Strength Training” by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky and “Supertraining” by Mel C. Siff. “Serious Strength Training” by Tudor Bompa may also be of interest. All of these books are great for those who wish to dive into the deeper level of training. But if you’re looking for superficial information, exercise ideas, home gym type stuff, then these books are not for you. These are designed for health professionals, not weekend warriors. Be prepared for science and technical terminology.

1 Star Can anyone understand the contents?????
I purchased the updated, 3rd edition recently and anyone who can actually understand the contents and retain the information, my hat is off to you. I have been a personal trainer for over 7 years and thought this book would supply me with some extra knowledge. Was I wrong. Way too technical. Way too many references and studies with many times contradicting themselves. Very non user friendly. I have read paragraphs to co-workers who are more advanced than me and even they shook their heads. DO NOT BUY if you are looking to advance your personal training skills and knowledge. I have passed several certifications and consider myself fairly knowledgable, but this book left me scratching my head and saying WHAT?????

3 Stars Scientists only
I agree with the other reviewers that this book is highly advanced, and not for beginners. It contains absolutely everything that has ever been studied on the subject. However, even for the seasoned trainer, it is hard to find what you are looking for, and even harder to understand. There are so many references and technical terms that the essence of what it is saying is almost lost. If it was written in English, and organised into a logical manner, it would be far more useful. The tables are very difficult to read. A gap still exists for a book containing all this information in plain English. It would be half the size and much more readable.

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Tamilee Webbs Original Rubber Band Workout Book and Rubber Band

Tamilee Webbs Original Rubber Band Workout Book and Rubber Band

Foreword by Art Ulene, M.D. It is a “gym in the pocket.” TAMILEE WEBB’S ORIGINAL RUBBER BAND WORKOUT uses the resistance of rubber bands to tone and strengthen the body. Featured in Good Housekeeping and Mademoiselle. Selection of the Better Homes & Gardens Family Book Service. 209,000 copies in print.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Original and dynamite
I now own a lot of resistance training books of various sorts - using dumb-bells, or the thera-band. This book is unique, the only one I found using large rubber bands (I didn’t even know such things existed). I had hesitated to buy this book because of the reviewers who said the rubber bands were harsh in thier hands. When I got the book and tried the exercises I found there was absolutely no discomfort from using the bands without gloves, that was a relief. In addition, I LOVE the exercises, they somehow get at muscles in a different way than other methods. The exercises are well explained and the photographs make it easy to see exactly how to do each one. This book is among my favorites. I did not want to use the order form for new bands at the back of the book because I was afraid prices might have gone up or something since the book was published, so I did a web search on SPRI Rubber Band and found a site called LeighCrews.com, or DynaLife (it’s connected somehow) where you can buy rubber bands of different widths for more or less resistance. (Hint: if you buy 20 instead of 1, the price per unit goes down drastically.) Overall, this is a great book and a great method for getting in shape and staying in shape.

5 Stars the best exercise book I’ve seen
Simple, easy to follow, this book outlines some great at-home workouts. I was especially impressed with the “chair” exercises, important for me at this moment since I have a broken foot.

I not only would recommend it to all, I will buy many copies and give them as gifts to friends I know need exercise that is easy and fun to do.

3 Stars Nice package; Nice workout; But Rough Bands
I got this book to extend my rubber resistance training. It’s the only book on the topic I found at Amazon at the time. I was interested in the book but when it came and I saw the 2 small blue rubber bands attached, I was happy that it was an inclusive package. You didn’t have to go out to buy the exercise equipment now that you had the book. I tried out much of the exercises and they do feel good. However, the rubber band feels harsh in my hand after a while and I have to do the exercises with my exercise gloves so I don’t burn or chafe…

5 Stars sensible, useful book for beginners
Great book. The illustrations are clear and easy to see, and they make sense for a beginner. It stresses the importance of stretching, warmup, and aerobics, but its focus is on strength. I recommend thin gloves for using the rubber bands.

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Isometric Power Revolution Mastering the Secrets of Lifelong Strength Health and Youthful Vitality

Isometric Power Revolution Mastering the Secrets of Lifelong Strength Health and Youthful Vitality

Isometrics Power Revolution is the most comprehensive and effective Isometrics fitness and training system ever devised, created to powerfully strengthen and sculpt every muscle in the entire body without the risk of joint and spine injury or muscle tears that come with weightlifting.

The power of Isometrics training lies in being taught how to perform it correctly. Veteran strength and conditioning coach John e. Peterson shows you precisely how to use Isometrics to reshape your physique and add strength beyond your imagination without ever moving a muscle!

Says Peterson: I ll show you how the most effective Isometric training techniques and exercises that will help you develop lean, perfectly sculpted muscles, shed unwanted and unhealthy weight, and achieve that unmistakable youthful glow without ever having to go to a gym, lift weights, or invest in expensive equipment.

In Isometric Power Revolution, you ll have fingertip access to:

* A complete and comprehensive training program of the best Isometric exercises designed to strengthen and sculpt every muscle group in your body.
* Hundreds of clear, detailed photos showing every facet of every Isometric exercise-most of which can be performed anytime, anyplace.
* An amazing History of Isometrics that convincingly demonstrates why Isometric Contraction is the most scientifically validated approach to strength training and body sculpting.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars A bunch of old exercises you can find on internet for free
There’s no reason I can think of to spend money on this book unless you don’t want to be bothered doing a bit of research on your own. Much of the book consists of what Peterson refers to as “classical isometric contractions” which are the exercises you’ve seen before that are usually done by pushing your hands together or pulling your hands apart while holding them in various positions. These exercises can be found all over the internet for no money, with probably the best website being Zen and the Art of Self Resistance. You can also check the Sandow website. There’s all sorts of free isometric stuff there as well.

The other exercises, which Peterson renames “power flexes”, have also been around for many, many years and are available for free on the ‘net as well. The old Dynaflex course that Mike Marvel used to put out is the best example of these. It’s an excellent isometric course that will work your whole body in about 10 minutes and I’d highly recommend it. So with a modicum of effort you’ll have everything you need without it costing you anything except the printer paper you used to print out what you downloaded. All Peterson did is reprint a bunch of old exercises into book form. There’s no added insight or useful information here except for some historical information about isometric exercises which is of no value unless you’re a history buff.

5 Stars A great book on an equipment free training method
The isometrics presented in this book are designed to be totally equipment free. You literally just need enough space to lie down and a wall and you can do this full body exercise system. This book by itself offers enough to get into good shape, but these exercises integrate great with John other books and with the full Transformetrics Training System you have everything you need to get in shape and look great without a gym or equipment.

Like with all of John Peterson’s books, this one has an entertaining and informative history section that is really great. It’s a real fun read in addition to being a great training system.

1 Star Expensive book for getting limited results
Beware of the many “padded” reviews written by Peterson’s followers. This book is high priced and offers very little. You can find most of the information for free just by searching the internet. Isometrics have their place, but they are a limited form of exercise. If you want real results for the real world- you have to move your body. Doing static holds just aren’t enough. Don’t be fooled by thinking that there is a short cut to great results. Hard work is required if you want real and lasting results.

5 Stars Great book
I usually don’t do reviews, but in this case I felt it was necessary. What this book really covers is isometrics but in great detail, there is a workout for every body part. John Peterson does a great job in showing us what isometrics can do for us, not only in regard to health, but for strength as well. If you have been lifting weights as I had , these concepts may seem alien but once you start to apply them on daily basis you will see how effective these techniques can be.

5 Stars Another Excellent book from John
I own pushing yourself to power which I really enjoyed. However, I prefer the isometric exercises contained in this book. This book has great historical background information about Isometrics. A lot of the early pioneers.

There is plenty of exercises in this book working every bodypart.

The most useful for me is the information about breathing out while contracting the muscles. Before I was holding my breath which was building up too much pressure in the brain! Therefore making isometrics unpleasant.

John has very clear rules about breathing and they are very important.

The other important tip is about effort. 60 - 70% is all one needs and this keeps it safe as well.

The other great tip is to SLOWLY build up the pressure to 60% - then hold - then release pressure slowly. I found this as well to be very important.

I love it and it’s given me a renewed interest in Yoga holding postures as well. It’s packed full of information and is a dream book for anyone wishing to learn about isometrics.

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Exercises for Airplanes And Other Confined Spaces

Exercises for Airplanes And Other Confined Spaces

A quick perusal of this slim guide to exercising when spatially challenged discloses a decided dependence on old-fashioned isometrics. Desirous that others not suffer the fate of Dan Quayle–pulmonary embolism–by sitting cross-legged on planes too much, Diamond revives the revered exercise regimen of yesteryear and upgrades its presentation in the process. She not only makes her book commuter-specific but also adds sections on visualization and on “alternative” remedies to common air-travel maladies such as jet lag, sinus problems, and fear of flying. And she imaginatively explains how individual isometric exercises work on the body (e.g., “Imagine the pelvis as the rim of an ice cream cone . . . watch a cherry at the level of the bottom of the rib cage”). What else could today’s health-concerned air commuter ask for in a handy, freshly composed book of, well, isometrics? Mike Tribby

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars More for new age people than road warriors
There were a few good tips and tricks to overcoming jet lag, moving your legs around while flying, helping out those cramps during long flights, and basic exercises…. but if you are a road warrior, this isn’t the book for you.

I love the way the author makes out exercises that are for specific commuters (comes in handy whether flying or railing!). But sometimes the way she describes the exercises was like reading a novel instead of an exercise book. The diagrams were very helpful.

5 Stars more books on this subject of Isometrics.
in my younger year I was a weightlifter and love the feeling of being strong and fit.back than a great strenght building exercise
came call Isometrics its fast and get good ressults in a very short time.Janet Diamond book is good for those seeking a fast exercises routine.but I would strongly recommend building a Isometric Rack! and do a whole body workout 6 days per week.you wont hurt yourself or build big muscle mass,but will build great body strength and good muscle tone!I am 57 years old,cannot do lifting big barbells so I now do Isometrics everday and feel strong as lion,try it!

5 Stars I’m the only author.
I, Janet Diamond, am the sole author of this book. Zipora Schulz, is merely the illustrator, and Janet D. Amond does not exist. Thank you for correcting this error. Janet Diamond

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Energizing Isometrics A Total Body Workout in Only 5 Minutes a Day

Energizing Isometrics A Total Body Workout in Only 5 Minutes a Day

Isometrics are a scientifically proven technique for enhancing muscle size and strength as well as increasing overall energy levels. The exercises described in the “Energizing Isometrics” booklet can be performed by both men and women at any age to achieve a stronger and better proportioned physique. The booklet contains over (12) different isometric “contractions” described in detail as well as pictures showing how each is performed. The instructions are easy to follow and the exercises are simple to perform. There are also some nutritional tips included in each spiral-bound copy.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS Isometric exercises are the easiest and fastest method for improving strength and general fitness. Each muscle-tension pose illustrated in the booklet targets a particular part of the anatomy, providing a Total Body Workout. Since each exercise takes only 10 seconds, a complete workout can be performed in only 5 MINUTES A DAY!

APPLICATIONS

Energizing Isometrics eliminates the need to purchase expensive and cumbersome weight-training type exercise equipment!

Most people today lead a fast paced existence, barely able to keep up with all their responsibilities. In many cases, exercise is the component which is left out of the equation. Now, with Energizing Isometrics, everyone can add a powerful exercise regimen to their daily routine by putting aside only 5 minutes anytime of the day. In addition, athletes and sports professionals will also benefit from the strength enhancing qualities of Isometrics. Golfers, baseball players, basketball and tennis players will find that they can improve their performance by practicing the techniques illustrated in this new and unique book.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Horribly bad value for the money.
As others have stated, this book is sparse on content and a hideous value for the price. Spend an extra $15 and get John Peterson’s Isometric Power Revolution: Mastering the Secrets of Lifelong Strength, Health, and Youthful Vitality. Its nearly 300 pages of information on isometrics, which makes it about 8 times the value this thing is.

1 Star Energizing Isometrics:
If I could have rated this book a ZERO, I would have. I completely wasted

my time and money. It should be a waste for Amazon, too.

1 Star This is a ripoff!
I can’t believe they charged me $13.50 for this book! This whole thing could not have cost more than $1.50 to produce.

5 Stars EVERYTHING IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE !
Do not be deceived by those people who feel a large volume is needed to covey knowledge.

I have personally used this workout too gain 50+ # on the bench alone! You do not have too jump and wiggle for hours too be fit and strong ; consider this the basic workout and add from there!

Be advised this workout and hiking is all I do and I can bench over 300 easily!

Isometrics are proven and no exercise will build more strength for time spent!

With a few added isometrics you can find easily on the web this will take more than 5min less than 15!

5 Stars Great Booklet
This booklet is excellent for learning about a very unique and helpful 5 minute workout. Results are great in a short period of time. I highly recommend it for anyone on the go!

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Exercise in the Office Easy Ways to Better Health and Firmer Figures

Exercise in the Office Easy Ways to Better Health and Firmer Figures