Resistance bands are a great way to assist you or your client in developing pull-up strength.  There are several varieties of bands available but the common theme is that they work by reducing the amount of body weight that you need to lift.

As the band stretches further it develops more tension and has the effect of making you feel “lighter”.  As you lift yourself higher the band becomes shorter and has less of a lifting effect.  Depending on how the band is used, such as putting your foot on the band and stretching it further or using your knee (applying less tension) as you get stronger, it will allow you to be more successful in achieving more sets and repetitions.  There are different colors associated with various resistance levels; the greater the tension the easier it is to do.  As you progress you would use the bands with less resistance requiring you to lift more of your own body weight.

Weight equivalent information from Power Systems:

Micro Mini / Orange bands = 2-6 lbs.
Mini / Red bands = 5-25 lbs.
Monster Mini / Black bands = 10-35 lbs.
Light / Purple bands = 30-50 lbs.
Average / Green bands = 65-85 lbs.
Strong / Blue bands = 80-100 lbs.
Monster / Black bands = up to 200 lbs.

The primary target areas for pull-ups (wide-grip & close-grip) involve movements around the shoulder, shoulder girdle and elbow; so in general the upper/mid back and arms will be affected the most.

Some websites that offer resistance bands:
www.rubberbanditz.com
www.performbetter.com
www.fwonline.com
www.powersystems.com

My name is Conrad Sanchez.  I grew up between France and Spain, and graduated with Master’s degree in Management from the University of Bordeaux. After almost a year working in finance in London, I transferred to my New York office to be closer to my younger brother. In 2007, a very bad time to be in finance, I decided to explore something a bit different; I got a job as an Executive Assistant for a billionaire. I always enjoyed helping people and thought this would be a good way to build my skills in the business world. In this new role, I traveled all over the world and worked very long hours and weekends just to find out that the personal trainer who also traveled with us, only worked 2 hours a day earning as much as I did. This got me thinking…

Growing up in Europe, I was always very active.  I played basketball all my life; and my father, instead of grounding me and sending me to my room without supper, would make me shoot 100 free throws.  That kept my skills sharp!  Throughout my childhood, personal training wasn’t even a thought for a career though looking back it was a great fit for me. In 2009, my career came to a halt when I got laid off from my Executive Assistant position.  This turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I had time and savings to pursue personal training, a career combining both things I am passionate about – helping people and being active.

I looked into several certifications but it seemed to me unimaginable to study for a few short weeks and take a test online and call myself a good, qualified trainer. Then I discovered the American Academy of Personal Training, a school I believed would be ideal to get my personal training career started right. I really appreciated the idea of training fellow classmates half of the day and learning about physiology, nutrition, anatomy, and bio-mechanics the other half.   I was sold!

After graduating from AAPT in December 2009, I have continued to keep myself educated and informed taking a variety of classes as often as possible: post rehab training, protective spine exercises, pre/post natal training, training children, marathon training, training older populations. I also got certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, and by Functional Movement Screening.   I am now looking into graduate programs to get a Master’s in Exercise Physiology.  I believe everybody should continue their education.  You can never know enough in this ever evolving industry!

As for my personal training career…after graduating, my instructor and mentor Camille Eroy-Reveles shared with me her idea of creating The L Trainer, a premium in-home training business where the team of trainers meet every week to further their education and share ideas and experiences.  I was on board!  It has now been one year working as both co-manager and trainer.  I am also training both male and female basketball athletes at Hunter College and I recently got hired to train patients with diabetes at the Friedman Diabetes Institute.

I love my job.  I thank the American Academy of Personal Training for getting me off to the right start in my new career path. AAPT provided me with the necessary education to feel confident and knowledgeable to train a variety of clientele.  I couldn’t be happier!

When you attend AAPT not only do you get the best personal training education, you also get job assistance!  Some of the finest and most exclusive fitness clubs regularly attend the AAPT job fairs seeking our best and brightest graduates and alumni.  Job fairs are hosted for every graduating class at the end of each session; and students and alumni bring their resumes and their A-game to find meet with interested employers.  Check out some photos just posted on AAPTs Facebook fanpage from the latest job fair in NYC.

Each class that comes through AAPT’s awesome personal training education program brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy!  Students are from all of over the country and sometimes the world.  They are all ages; some are coming straight from high school and others after retirement.  Finally, the backgrounds and professional experiences range from ex-corporate to retired police to college athletes!  One thing that students ALL have in common is a love for health and fitness and a desire to help people in their quest for a better quality of life through exercise and wellness; and along the way they form many new friendships – a win-win!

If you are curious about AAPT student life, check out our Facebook page where you can peruse the photo albums and read the posts.  Also subscribe to our blog – we are always posting different articles and announcements.  Finally, visit the new FAQ section on the website where a lot of your questions will be answered.

AAPT offers an amazing education, practical knowledge and an overall rewarding experience you will always remember!  Get started, contact us to schedule a tour.

Just imagine it!

An interesting question was raised on our Facebook page recently and we thought we’d start a little discussion here.

The Question: What is your opinion on the Total Gym, Insanity Workout, Nintendo Wii, Xbox Kinect & the Pushup Pump. Are these helpful?

Here are some thoughts from our Head of Education in Boston, Ted Bertini:.

There are a few ways to look at this:

1. Are they helpful as a workout alternative to the gym and the “standard” equipment such as dumbbells, exercise classes, bands, etc.
2. Or are these options looking to be used in place of going to the gym?

As an accessory to regular workouts anything that keeps you moving is usually a positive.  However, if there is no trainer there to help show you how to do the exercise and to make sure you are performing the movements correctly (for your body) you may be at a greater risk of injury (i.e., muscle strain, excessive soreness, other..).   Maybe for a change in the same old routine they might be fine in the short term but as a stand-alone feature you will tire of them easily (especially if you are at home); then, what do you do?

Having goals of being safe, effective, and efficient in your workouts is the key.  Quick fix workouts or special tv promotions may not always be presented with your best interest in mind.  Many closets have become the final resting place for these products purchased with the best intentions of using them on a regular basis.

My kids wanted that Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii.  They may have used it 10 times in total; however we go to the gym or they play in sports every week.  Same for us…we have the home setup but use it sparingly.  If you go to the gym you are committing yourself to working out.  If you choose these at home “accessories” you might find that you have too many distractions and end up not exercising at all.  Ultimately, what keeps you engaged is the key. 

What do you think?  Please weigh in!