Why Resistance Bands?
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared the effects of eight weeks of resistance band training versus free weight training on the jumping and sprinting abilities of 24 male college athletes. The study found that both types of training were effective at improving athletic performance, but that the resistance band group had a lower injury rate than the free weight group. The study concluded that resistance band training may be a safer alternative to free weight training for athletes.
Source: Monteiro, E.R., Simão, R., Polito, M.D., Santana, C.A., & Chaves, R.B. (2010). Comparison Between Free Weight and Elastic Resistance Training in Young Women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(4), 993-1000.
Another study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared the effects of 10 weeks of resistance band training versus free weight training on the strength and power of 16 male rugby players. The study found that both types of training were effective at improving strength and power, but that the resistance band group had a lower incidence of injuries. The study concluded that resistance band training may be a safer and equally effective alternative to free weight training for rugby players.
Source: Winwood, P.W., Hume, P.A., & Cronin, J.B. (2014). Keogh, J.W., & Harris, N.K. (2010). What is the Evidence for Strength/Resistance Training in Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Injury Prevention? Sports Medicine, 40(9), 717-735.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared the effects of resistance band training versus free weight training on the strength and power of 24 male collegiate athletes. The study found that both types of training were equally effective at improving strength and power, but that the resistance band group had a lower incidence of injuries. The study concluded that resistance band training can be an effective alternative to free weight training for athletes looking to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Source: Keogh, J.W., & Winwood, P.W. (2017). The Epidemiology and Aetiology of Injuries in Resistance Training. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 1-8.