The tube expander, made in the form of a rubber band with handles, is an effective multifunctional device for doing fitness and organizing strength training at home. The operation of the device allows you to abandon the use of barbells and dumbbells, bulky simulators, makes it possible to strengthen the load in the course of performing ordinary exercises.
Appointment
What is the purpose of using a rubber tubular expander with handles? To operate the device resort:
- Boxers, professional wrestlers, and other martial arts fans who need the progressive development of the power capabilities of their own bodies.
- People who are overweight and are not able to regularly attend the gym.
- Persons who prefer fitness at home and want to get an extra load when doing exercises for pulling up, pushing up, training the abdominal muscles
- Athletes who do powerlifting. In this case, the tube expander makes it possible to increase the resistance level when performing various types of bench presses.
- Weightlifters who wish to improve deadlift results .
- Athletes who need to strengthen their back muscles and focus on doing stretching.
Principle of operation
When an athlete works with dumbbells, the level of load is determined by the force of gravity. Therefore, when lifting weight on the muscles there is a greater effort than when lowering the projectile. During the use of a rubber expander, the load depends on the resistance of the elastic base of the simulator, the level of which is identical both in compression and in stretching of the elastic rope. Thus, the muscles are maintained in constant tension.
During classes with an elastic expander, inactive tissues and fine muscles come into play, which is responsible for maintaining a stable body position in space. Therefore, when performing workouts using such a simulator, an athlete never knows for sure what effort is applied at one time or another.
Quality
Choosing a tube expander, it is worth paying attention to the material of manufacture. The best option in terms of quality is a simulator with a special nylon braid. The latter significantly extends the service life of the device, in particular, protects the rubber from a complete and final break.
If the design does not provide braiding, it is worthwhile to focus on options with an impressive rubber thickness. It is advisable to stretch the tube expander several times before purchasing. If white stripes appear on the surface of the material or defects appear, it is better to give preference to other options.
Handles
You should choose a rubber tubular expander with handles made of strong, resistant to mechanical damage and non-slip material. As practice shows, the most convenient in operation are devices whose handles contain a textured, rough surface. The specified feature provides improved traction with the athlete’s hands with active exercise. Reliable handles protect against accidental slipping of the simulator and injury.
Load level
Oddly enough, when choosing a universal tube expander, you should pay attention to the color of the product. The hue here plays the role of a kind of indicator, which indicates the resistance of the simulator.
The easiest way to do this is to use the yellow rubber tube expander. This option provides a minimum level of load and is suitable for beginner athletes, athletes who recover from injuries, as well as for the fairer sex, far from regular fitness classes.
As for the fixtures of green color, the latter do not differ too much according to the resistance indicator from the previous version, strengthening the loads only to a small extent. Therefore, advanced athletes should focus on red rubber expanders. Well, as for products of a blue shade, such devices are intended for real strongmen.
Some manufacturers put marks indicating the nature of the simulator resistance on the handles. A weak load level is marked with the number “1”, the middle one is marked with “2”, and, accordingly, the strong one has a value of “3”.
Length
When choosing a rubber expander, an important role is played not only by its resistance, but also by its length. It is worth focusing on the parameters of your own body. If the elastic part of the device is too long, it can be shortened by tying several knots.
Simulator features
You can perform the following exercises with a tubular expander:
- vertical traction;
- horizontal traction in a standing and sitting position;
- elements with emphasis on biceps and triceps;
- exercises for training the abdominal muscles;
- jerks that can become a substitute for pulling up.
All of the above features of a rubber expander are relevant not only for experienced athletes. The use of devices with a moderate level of resistance is suitable for people who feel the need to maintain the body in good shape. In general, the simulator is good for anyone who wants to some extent increase the volume of muscle mass.
Rubber tube expander with handles - exercises
Using an elastic simulator, you can exert pressure on almost all muscle groups: the abdominal area, arms, legs, shoulders and back. Options for operating the device depend only on the user's imagination. However, it is worth bringing a few basic exercises using the device.
To train the chest, arms and muscles of the shoulder girdle, it is enough to rest your feet in the middle part of the elastic tubes, place your feet shoulder width apart and grab the handles. Then dilutions of slightly bent arms should be performed to the sides.
Another option, focused on strengthening the torso, involves the adoption of a similar position. The only difference is the pulling of the arms bent at the elbows to the chest. Movements can be performed alternately.
To train the femoral muscles, it is necessary to hook the handle of the simulator for the feet. Then the legs are spread apart and return to their original position. As in the previous case, the movements can be performed alternately with each foot.
To provide a load on the abdominal muscles, it is enough to sit on the floor and lean forward slightly. The arms of the expander are held in the hands, and the tubes are hooked on the feet of the legs bent at the knees. Next, the standard flexion and extension of the body.
Eventually
Rubber expander with handles is one of the best options for training in the domestic environment. Its operation and storage do not require a special latitude of space in the house, and classes can be organized in any free minute. At the same time, during training, practically all muscle groups are involved, which are not given due attention during normal fitness classes.