Exercise bands, which come in a variety of resistances, can be used at the gym or at home. Because they provide continuous tension during the workout, resistance bands improve muscle coordination and stability, according to a 2012 article published by The American Council on Exercise. For many resistance band exercises, you must use an anchor, so secure your band to one of the most convenient ones around -- a door frame.
Securing a Resistance Band to a Door Frame
Begin your resistance band workout with dynamic stretching to loosen up your muscles and be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. Using an anchor can cause stress on the resistance band, which could make it snap and cause an injury. Examine your band at the start and end of every workout for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or areas of brittleness, replace the band with a new one.
Do not attempt to anchor your resistance band without a door strap or door harness. Doing so could damage the band or your door and could cause injury.
Resistance band
Door strap or door anchor
Door
Step 1
Attach the resistance band to the door strap/door anchor. Most door straps have a loop on one end and a ball, ring, plate or other anchoring device on the other. Thread the resistance band through the loop and buckle.
Step 2
Open the door that you plan on using to hold your resistance band.
Step 3
Place the anchor end of the door strap on the other side of the door while holding the loop end. Keep the anchor close to the door and hold it at the height at which you'd like the resistance band to remain.
Step 4
Shut the door on the door strap. The loop end of the strap and the resistance band should be on your side of the door while the anchor side of the strap is on the other side. Make sure the door is closed tightly.
Step 5
Pull on the strap until the anchor is snug against the door. Pull several times to ensure that the band is secure.
Step 6
Adjust the position of the strap, if needed, by opening the door slightly and moving the anchor up or down. The strap should be at ankle height for most leg exercises, at hip height for arm exercises and at the very top of the door if you're working out your chest and back.
Tips
Warnings
Things You'll Need
References
Tips
- Begin your resistance band workout with dynamic stretching to loosen up your muscles and be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. Using an anchor can cause stress on the resistance band, which could make it snap and cause an injury. Examine your band at the start and end of every workout for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or areas of brittleness, replace the band with a new one.
Warnings
- Do not attempt to anchor your resistance band without a door strap or door harness. Doing so could damage the band or your door and could cause injury.
Writer Bio
Natasha Hochlowski holds a dual B.S. in chemistry and writing from Loyola University Maryland. She has been writing professionally since 2007, frequently contributing to "The Journal of Young Investigators," and has worked as a technical writer/editor for several major pharmaceutical companies.