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When I started doing partner attached band training in the late 90’s it was definitely a learning curve I don’t wish on anyone. 

First of all, it’s new and some people don’t like change.  Secondly people are somewhat private about their fitness and teaming up is not something that is always comfortable for people especially if the other person is relying on you to get a solid workout.

I agree that can be a little uncomfortable, but the results, group chemistry and fitness inspiration that comes with partner attached band training  is very rewarding for both the client and the trainer.  No question it takes the trainer learning the approach and than being able to teach it to his group.

But once as a fitness professional you are able to teach it, you have a tool that can train absolutely every functional movement.  Not to mention you just added over 100 more exercises to your resistance band arsenal.

That said I thought I would share with you a few key tips I use when I start to implement partner attached band training.

Tip 1

Start with an exercise that is easy for everyone to do.  My starter exercise is always staggered split squats or  forward  lunges towards your partner.   This is where the training partner faces the holder who is standing lateral to them while they hold.  Training partner either does a hands on hips split squat or a forward step lunge as they move toward the holding partner.

This is a great starting exercise because everyone can see everyone.  Partners can us all their learning sense of vision, auditory and tactile (feeling the band around the hips).  Doing this using the 2 minute continuous sound track works great and allows the trainer to provide individual teaching without having to worry about watching the clock.   Just have partners transition every 10 reps.  Have teams recover for 1 minute between exercises while you demo the next 2 minute partner attached exercise.

Tip 2

Always start with black bands unless you know you have strong individuals.  Starting with linked up black bands allows them to not be overwhelmed or concerned about injury in case the band resistance is to strong.   If they are dominating the band, just have them work faster reps or incorporate an isometric hold for 2 second on every lunge rep.  You can also have a red band set up waiting to be added if  a specific team is really getting after it.

The most important goal the first time is to make sure  teams are successful.  To strong of band setup could quickly end partner attached training.

Tip 3

Make sure you have taught the lower body band exercises you intend to use in the partner ship prior to doing them in an attached partner.  I typically have everyone do several body weight movements as part of their warm up.  As an example, I will have them do horizontal reach squats, over head reach lunges, horizontal squat pushes or presses and some lateral lunge reaching.

This  not only allows me to teach the terminology and see how well they perform the movement but it also eliminates that being a distraction once individuals are asked to do it in an attached setup.  If they do well, I know they are ready to try it in a partner attached set up.

Again,  guarantee success for your clients.  Don’t let them leave their first session frustrated.  If they are looking for a harder workout, you need to have some quick progressions to give them during that first workout.  I will usually do 1 or 2 partner attached exercises with several body weight or attachment free drills.

If you are interested in learning more about Partner Band Training both Attached and Unattached, the Partner Band Training DVD  and Program Manual will provide everything you need to getting this started in your group fitness camps.

Getting BETTER with BANDS

Dave

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