The Best Back Exercises With Resistance Bands
Exercising can be time-consuming, especially if you have to join a gym. Back exercises can easily be performed with a portable resistance band.
Many back strengthening workouts require heavy exercise equipment. As an alternative, resistance bands provide a convenient, portable form of back exercise that can be performed virtually anywhere.
As your strength improves, you can easily increase the difficulty of your exercises by using a band with heavier resistance. The best back exercise programs target muscles along the entire spine.
Inspect your resistance band before each use. Over time, these bands can start to tear. Never attempt exercise with a torn resistance band -- this could cause injury.
Seated Row
The seated row exercise strengthens muscles in the middle of your back, near your shoulder blades. Be sure the band is secured around your feet before you pull on it.
Step 1
Sit on a firm surface with your legs out in front of you. If you have discomfort in the back of your thighs, bend your knees slightly.
Step 2
Loop the middle of the band around the bottom of both feet, at the arches. Hold one end of the band in each hand and sit up straight.
Step 3
Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows straight back as far as possible against the resistance of the band. Hold this position for 2 to 3 seconds, then relax.
Step 4
Repeat 10 times and work up to three sets in a row.
Upright Row
The upright row exercise strengthens muscles in your upper back. As an added bonus, it also strengthens shoulder muscles.
Step 1
Stand securely on the middle of the band with both feet. Spread your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Hold one end of the band in each hand.
Step 2
Begin with your arms resting at your sides and palms facing you. Rotate your thumbs slightly forward.
Step 3
Raise your elbows out to the sides and straight up toward the ceiling. Stop when your elbows reach shoulder-height.
Step 4
Hold for 2 to 3 seconds, then slowly lower your arms back down. Repeat 10 times, working up to three sets in a row.
Read more: 10 Resistance Band Exercises to Tone and Tighten
Pull-Aparts
Pull-aparts are named for the motion performed during the exercise. This exercise targets muscles in your mid-back.
Step 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Hold one end of the band in each hand with your palms facing inward. Keep your elbows straight throughout this exercise.
Step 2
Begin with your arms straight in front of you at shoulder-height. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the ends of the band apart until your arms are straight out at your sides. Do not allow your shoulders to shrug up during this exercise.
Step 3
Hold for 2 to 3 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times and work up to three sets in a row.
Lat Pulldowns
Lat pulldowns strengthen the large muscles along each side of the back. This popular gym exercise can be performed with a resistance band.
Step 1
Anchor the middle of the band overhead, securing it to a sturdy object such as a door frame.
Step 2
Reach overhead and grasp one end of the band in each hand. Spread your arms slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Step 3
Squeeze the muscles on the sides of your back and pull the band toward your chest. Your elbows will bend with this movement. Stop when your hands reach your shoulders.
Step 4
Hold for 2 to 3 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times and work up to three sets.
Read more: Resistance Band Exercises
Deadlifts
Deadlifts are a popular weight-lifting exercise for strengthening the low back and hips. Although this exercise is typically performed with a barbell, it can also be performed with a resistance band.
Step 1
Stand securely on the middle of the band. Spread your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Hold one end of the band in each hand.
Step 2
With your arms by your side and palms facing you, hinge forward at your hips, keeping your knees straight. Do not allow your low back to round forward. This is the starting position.
Step 3
Lift your chest and squeeze your hips forward as you come into an upright position. Hold this for 2 to 3 seconds, then return to the hip-hinged position. Repeat 10 times and work up to three sets in a row.