RBT Resistance Band Training

I thank you for your steadfast promotion of such great equipment and for encouraging people to get moving and keep moving!

Good morning, Dave!

A simple thank you for all that you do for the health and wellbeing of all!

I am a soon to be 65 year old personal trainer and massage therapist who uses bands regularly for myself and others.  I thank you for your steadfast promotion of such great equipment and for encouraging people to get moving and keep moving!  Your sane presentation of sustainable fitness practices is a great gift to all!

With gratitude and appreciation………wishing you good health and happiness,

Brian J – RBT Enthusiasts

I am a 73 year old man who competes in masters track and field meets…..I would say 90 – 95% of my strength work is with bands, and I can compete with most people in my age group at the national level

Hi Dave,

I just wanted to say how much I love working with bands since I became part of your emails.  I am a 73 year old man who competes in masters track and field meets; the shot put, discus, javelin, weight and hammer throw more specifically.  Obviously technique and strength events.  I would say 90 – 95% of my strength work is with bands, and I can compete with most people in my age group at the national level.  I’m not saying this to brag, but to let you know that your techniques work.

Please don’t feel you have to answer, just wanted to say thank you!

Pat Hauser – RBT Enthusiasts

Glad I Found You, Dave!!

Glad I found you, Dave!

Completely changed my focus on workouts.  I only do your workouts now. 3-4 days a week. 

Since I started with you, significant improvement in flexibility, mobility, balance, and maintaining usable strength. All without injury!!

Keep up the great work.

Thanks again, Dave.

John K – RBT Enthusiasts

My belt is cinched a little tighter and my wife has commented on my increased waist definition.

Dave

After 2 1/2 weeks in the Ab-Core Challenge, I wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying it. My belt is cinched a little tighter and my wife has commented on my increased waist definition. Each workout is tough but very doable. I marvel at your ability to develop a different workout for each day. Keep up the great work.

Paul B – Band Gym Member Since 2020

I’ve got a few that I bought from you back in 2009!! and they’re doing just fine. This really speaks to the quality of your bands.

Hey Dave,

I’ve got a few that I bought from you back in 2009!! and they’re doing just fine. No signs of damage or tearing.  This really speaks to the quality of your bands. 15 years of nearly weekly use!

Thanks,

Ben L – Loyal RBT Customer

Thank you for your sound advice about working with damaged shoulders.

Dear Dave,

Thank you!!!! At last I have something I can really DO for my shoulders!! Thank you for your sound advice about working with damaged shoulders.  Similar to Tai Chi, moving the entire body is much better than isolating a joint. 

I am still trying to keep up with your programs and think I am simply on a slower progression.  I plan to stick with it, and really believe that you have a wonderful system with excellent tutorials.

Continued Blessings,

Julia G

Bottom line: Your resistance bands enable me to keep going.

Hi Dave,

This “Discovery Day” column resonated with me as I’m looking forward to turning 76 this summer. I’ve worked out nearly all of my life, and when my doctor recently asked me how often I work out, I told him: every day. At different periods of my life I’ve done distance jogging, bicycling, swimming, hiking, walking and/or weightlifting, taekwondo and, since I discovered RBT early in 2020, resistance band workouts. Yet I’ve always been injury prone and with age, despite my best efforts, I continue to deal with muscle strains. As a consequence, I find myself lately doing more and more “Discovery Days”.

Your resistance bands provide me the ability to find my way, varying my level of effort and targeting the amount of manageable, specific muscle stress.  By keeping to lighter bands I find I can do higher rep, constant motion workouts for arms, legs, shoulders and back. Once warmed up, I’ll sometimes move up in bands, paying close attention to what my body is telling me and responding accordingly. Bottom line: Your resistance bands enable me to keep going.

Thanks again,

Frank @ Colorado

Bands changed my fitness and body.

Dave, that’s an excellent article. I am 48 yrs old and still playing bball against guys in their 30’s and able to maintain the same intensity without injuries. All of this because of your videos.   Bands changed my fitness and body.

Many thanks for your work and dedication.

It is clear in your videos the passion you have on the subject.

Regards

Virgilio T

Thank you for helping me rehab my shoulder!

Good morning! Thank you for your step-by-step Mini-Course guide. As a seasoned exercise teacher, your training videos are excellent. Thank you for helping me rehab my shoulder!

Julia V – 12-Day Mini-Course Participant

I just want to scream: “Stop the weights. Get off the elliptical. Get off the treadmill. “STAY BETTER WITH BANDS.”

Dave: 

I read your email on aging and balance 1/9/24.  Great advice.  I am 70 and for the last two years I have been focused on usable strength and fall prevention through bands, plus core training through band training and medicine ball lifting while standing one legged on an inflated cushion.

Overall, I do a combination of rowing, treadmill, bands on the floor and on the air cushion four-five times a week, and medicine ball training on the cushion,  for only 45 minutes.  In two years, I have lost 15 pounds and reduced my blood pressure and sugar level.  I don’t rest between exercises.  The hardest is a three point plank while pushing a yellow band overhead with my left or right hands. I started on the orange band, moved to the red, and now use the yellow mostly.  Once in a while I break out the black one for a challenge.  

And just as important, my core is stronger than ever and balance is as good as it was in my 20s.  I sometimes look around The Gym (Englewood NJ), and see the same people in the same poor shape week after week.  I just want to scream:  “Stop the weights.  Get off the elliptical.  Get off the treadmill.  “STAY BETTER WITH BANDS.” 

Take a look at the videos and remember to “get better with bands ….a medicine ball, and an air cushion.”

Thanks for all you do. 

Michael P – RBT Senior Enthusiasts

I’m a beginner with resistance bands, and the knowledge is helpful. The equipment I purchased is of excellent quality and ideally suited to my needs.

Hello Dave,

Thank you for the new customer emails. I’m a beginner with resistance bands, and the knowledge is helpful. The equipment I purchased is of excellent quality and ideally suited to my needs.

I came to RBT for a workout I could do at home, and your workouts are just right. I was surprised that your program would include metabolic along with muscle-building benefits. I’ve finally found a use for that extra bedroom.

I don’t have any criticism or suggestions for improving your system – you have done great things here, and I plan to continue. I’ve done many exercises: running, weights, swimming, treadmills, bikes, step aerobics, yoga, and tai chi. However, at this time in my life (early 70s), resistance band training best matches my body’s needs. I didn’t know I could still develop muscles like this.

I may set a new goal for my RBT training to see if I can get into good enough shape to take a martial arts class. For now, though, the 4-week Jump-Start Program keeps me busy.

Regards,

James R

New RBT Customer

After using your program for about a year, nothing hurts. In Fact my gait is smooth and balanced.

Dave,

Thanks for the warning.  I tried other band “experts” only to experience injuries, especially in my shoulders and hips. After using your program for about a year, nothing hurts. In fact, my gait (walking) is smooth and balanced.   I do have the X3 bar and footplate, which I use for heavy DLs, RDLs, front squats, and bench press. I will add an X3 movement, after completing one of your workouts. 

Keep the advice coming 

Ricardo T

RBT Customer and Enthusiasts

I enjoy your insights on Band training and have been doing band training myself for about 4 yrs.

Hello Dave,

I’ve been following you for quite a while now. I enjoy your insights on Band training and have been doing band training myself for about 4 yrs.

I’m going to be 65 yrs old  this year and I use the bands between playing Racquetball 3 days a week. I feel they give me the advantage of being in top physical condition to play the game without taking from my body.

I just want to tell you that I enjoy your site and I wish you continued success in the future.

A Fan

Bob C

I could never have gotten into my present (still work in progress vastly improved) shape in a conventional gym.

Congratulations on what you’ve done with the Band Gym. You are providing a fantastic resource!

I started with a ’21 day challenge’ in Spring of 2020 and did the first ever Fit Camp and have continued happily since then.

I could never have gotten into my present (still work in progress vastly improved) shape in a conventional gym. When I’d get back to the weight room I would rapidly gain strength to the point where I was putting too much stress on my shoulders well before I got where I wanted to go—but with bands it’s almost back to how I felt when I started weight training aged 15!

I love the monthly routines you’ve been providing and I’m looking forward to more of your ‘Challenges’ in 2023 (assuming always that I survive the current one and the Christmas pudding).

With best wishes,

Bill S
Band Gym Member

Having that set-up in our living space is an enabler that contributes to my workout dynamic. It allows me to vary my workout times depending on our schedule.

Hi Dave,

Your note today pairs well with the one you sent a week or so ago with the eight points on making one’s exercise set-up convenient and hassle-free.

Our senior condo is a two-bedroom, two-bath with an office. We made the 2nd bedroom our exercise room. There’s a console with a high-end stereo and TV, an old Nordic Track wood cross-country ski machine (motorless), a 100-pound stacked dumbbell set, yoga mats, and of course, my RBT bands, RBT hip bands and dynamic stabilizers. We’ve got a ceiling fan in there, and the big windows look out at the Colorado Front Range Rockies. I look forward to going into that space, turning on the music, working out and enjoying the view.

Having that set-up in our living space is an enabler that contributes to my workout dynamic. It allows me to vary my workout times depending on our schedule. Quite often, like today, I’m able to get a 20-minute to 30-minute workout in the morning, followed with an hour or 90-minute workout in the afternoon. If I had to travel to a gym, I wouldn’t be able to do that.

Then again, your RBT bands allow me to get a good workout anywhere, anytime. Your bands are an integral, dominant part of every one of my workouts. At 74, I’m still going strong.

Your RBT bands and exercise guidance have changed and improved my life.

With appreciation,

Frank

That’s what I need and want so I give you 6 stars in a 5 star scoring….Thank you for making yourself available you’re a good coach and you’ve got a good program going

Dave,

I became a member about a month ago, being 70 years old is coming. I’ve decided to do the senior workout program for a while. And I had a few other exercises to it. I am glad I bought a bar though you and not a shower bar from a hardware store. Also bands and band connectors, l love using bands together. Your saying “ mobility stability and flexibility”

That’s what I need and want so I give you 6 stars in a 5 star scoring. I will have a question for you I don’t know how to get a hold of you. Thank you for making yourself available you’re a good coach and you’ve got a good program going.

Glenn W
Band Gym Member

This progression to bands and your programming is the best investment that I have made for my health ever.

Having a great time since joining the Band Gym. I have not felt this limber and without pain from lifting weights in years. This progression to bands and your programming is the best investment that I have made for my health ever. Thank you for your instructional emails, workout updates and the challenges that they bring. I am a believer. By the way, if it matters, I will be 70 years old shortly. I look forward to my early morning band workout with you every morning.

Christina O
Band Gym Member

I spent over 30 years working in Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Day Care and have seen the differences in people who first need care in the 90’s versus those who first need care in their 70s. I knew you were giving sound advice. So here I am at 67 learning a new way to work out. LOVE IT.

Mr. Schmitz,

Just wanted to let you know that this routine, the Senior Strong Program, is just what I need. I am pretty new to resistance bands. I learned about them on a YouTube video from “Bob and Brad”. Once I had the bands I wanted a visual workout to learn to use the bands correctly and a program that evolves over a period of time rather than me trying to figure out a workout routine. Back to YouTube where I found a video that you did on working out after 50. I spent over 30 years working in Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Day Care and have seen the differences in people who first need care in the 90’s versus those who first need care in their 70s. I knew you were giving sound advice. So here I am at 67 learning a new way to work out. LOVE IT. No gym membership (thus no guilt for not going) or no exercise DVD instructor repeating the same words over and over. I can work out when I want and at a speed that works for me. I love the video of each exercise (on Week 2 the bicep curl doesn’t load). I am repeating each week before moving on to the next workout week. This week I will repeat week 2. On my morning walks I have noticed that my posture is straighter. AND…… AND I did 65 squats in my last workout session! Once I finish the Senior Strong Program I will be back to find the next program to continue on and make it interesting.

Thank you,

Mollie E
RBT 60+ Enthusiasts

Thanks for a great experience!

I’m a new Band Gym member and have found the 45 Day Fit Camp a great way to keep my enthusiasm up.

Thanks for a great experience!

Joe Z.
Band Gym Member

I feel that bands are the best tool I can share with them (family and friends) because they are for all ages and fitness levels.

Dave,

I’m almost 48 years old and I’ve never had a break in my pursuit of fitness, so I’m pretty “fit” for my age. However, I have aging parents and friends my age who could use more exercise in their life. I feel that bands are the best tool I can share with them because they are for all ages and fitness levels. Being fit is more than just “looking good”!

Thank you for doing what you do.

Kevin S
Band Gym Member

Dave, your RBT is WAY MORE EFFECTIVE than other orthopedic care to date!

My #1 Goal with band training is to mitigate shoulder impingement in my workouts for hang gliding and ski season at 71.

Dave, your RBT is WAY MORE EFFECTIVE than other orthopedic care to date! Am most grateful for your expertise, drive and compassion.
You rock!

Dennis D
RBT Enthusiast and Customer

Bands have allowed me to adjust intensity with ease, and produce unlimited options.

Absolutely great advice and exercise examples for a 64-year-old who’s learning to find challenging routines that are both fun and sustainable. Bands have allowed me to adjust intensity with ease, and produce unlimited options. Thanks for all you do. Much appreciated!

Leo C
RBT Enthusiasts and Customer

I’m never going back to free weights of any kind. RBT training is all the resistance I need.

Dave

I’m 78 and started band training just over 3 months ago) I alternate between a brisk walk of about two miles one day and RBT training (3 reps each of 10 exercises) the next. I’ve reached a point now where my heart rate after 30 to 35 minutes of RBT training is equivalent to what I get after my walk; usually about 65% of max. I now get through my band exercises without taking the 30 second rest between sets. I’m never going back to free weights of any kind. RBT training is all the resistance I need. Thanks for introducing me to a whole new way of exercising.

Best.

Fulton H
RBT Customer and Band Fan 🙂

I’m able to vary my workouts from day to day and look forward to and enjoy my exercising like never before.

Excellent advice, Dave. Stellar stuff.

I’m focusing on rotation and seeing the improvements. Let me add, RBT bands have enabled my workouts to become multidimensional — full body involvement in my workouts now. I also key in on your advice to perform some movements slow, some fast. I’m able to vary my workouts from day to day and look forward to and enjoy my exercising like never before. Bands (following the array of movements you’ve demonstrated), calisthenics, adding a day or two each week of light/medium dumbbells. Some days lighter bands, higher reps, lots of movement. Some days working up from lighter to heavier bands with deliberate, concentrated effort. Plus, my taekwondo form keeps getting better as I execute moves with more authority. (Note that I perform some of those moves using bands as they enforce form discipline.) It’s a blast. And this from a guy about to turn 74.

Best regards as always,

Frank
RBT Enthusiasts

Your training tips and workout videos have significantly motivated me to stay focused and to be the best that I can be as I age.

Hi Dave:

You did a very good job in describing the inevitable changes that happen as we age and unfortunately I am experiencing them more and more with each passing year.

Fortunately though I believe I have been able to slow these changes down significantly through the use of resistance bands.

Resistance bands have helped me to not only maintain strength, mobility, flexibility, and muscle definition but also with what I believe in some ways is more important, is that it has helped me with balance and core strength.

Also your training tips and workout videos have significantly motivated me to stay focused and to be the best that I can be as I age.

Thanks Dave for all your help

James T
Band Gym Member

Myself and 6 of my neighbors really enjoy our band workout since we started with your band set.

Good morning Dave

I do have a band gym set up.

Myself and 6 of my neighbors really enjoy our band workout since we started with your band set. Perhaps it has been 8 to 10 years working out with your bands. Matt Cook originally introduced me to you and your workouts.

Anyway, we really love it.

Thank you. Stay safe and have a great day.

Reza L
RBT Enthusiasts

Happy Band Gym Member with a Happy Gym!! He’s a fan and so am I.

Hello Dave,

A couple of years ago I sent you a floor plan of our bonus room and you gave recommendations on bar placement. Here is a picture of that area in our gym.

I think my husband was a little skeptical of all the uses and benefits of band training. He kept wanting to use heavy free weights. But I didn’t purchase those so he was kind of forced to figure out the bands. Now he loves them! He’s able to do exercises that do not hurt his shoulder. He’s also able to do more precise workouts than he expected.

He’s a fan and so am I.
Thanks again for your help.
Happy band gym member with a happy gym!!

Leigh C
Band Gym Member

Best and most important of all, there has been the “Dave factor.” Having a genuine human to answer my questions has been invaluable.

Dave,

Your latest email on Peloton was one of your best. I hope you do more articles like this one: Real talk, no-holds-barred. Too many in the so-called fitness industry prey on people who have the best of intentions. It’s easy to fall for one-size-fits all “workout at home” pitches. People want to get started but are intimidated by their lack of knowledge and experience. I know because I was once one of them.

RBT and the Band Gym have been the exact opposite of the typical one-size-fits all “workout at home.” It has helped me learn to develop workouts tailored to my own needs. Those workouts have complimented my maximum intensity weight training sessions, helped me recover from surgery, and increased my enjoyment of fitness. They’ve given me the freedom and joy to work out on playgrounds, beaches, and all over the great outdoors. And they’ve liberated me from depending on mediocre hotel gyms, many of which are still closed or in disrepair “because Covid.”

Best and most important of all, there has been the “Dave factor.” Having a genuine human to answer my questions has been invaluable. You clearly have no agenda other than sharing the joy of getting better with bands. Sincerity cannot be faked or marketed. Even though I’ve never met you, I consider you a trusted coach who wants nothing but the best for me. I may just have to add traveling to Wisconsin and working out with you on a playground to my bucket list!

Please do keep sharing your thoughts on fitness trends… the good, the bad, and the ugly. It makes for great reading.

Cheers,
Michael H

I really enjoy my band membership, it is the best money I have spent for fitness.

I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed the January workouts and the first week of the February workouts. They are certainly challenging me. I really like having a workout. I’m hoping to develop overall strength that will translate into improved running. At 63, almost 64, I feel really good about my fitness level. Although I enjoy your workouts, I hope to be able to eventually develop my own workouts to maintain and improve fitness and compliment my running.

I really enjoy my band membership, it is the best money I have spent for fitness.

Keith C
Band Gym Member

I am really enjoying the daily (Band Gym) workouts.

Hi, Dave

I am really enjoying the daily (Band Gym) workouts. I’ve completed all your programs, most multiple times, but lacked the time and confidence to build my own workouts. The monthly programs do all this for me with a fitness theme, new exercises with lots of modifications, coaching, and education.

Thanks in advance,

Paul Baldino
Band Gym Member

I’ve spent the last four weeks doing the Momentum Builder Program in the Band Gym. I love it! It’s one of the most well rounded and challenging routines I’ve ever done.

Hey Dave!

So, I’ve spent the last four weeks doing the Momentum Builder Program in the Band Gym. I love it! It’s one of the most well rounded and challenging routines I’ve ever done. I really feel like my whole body is represented whereas, in the past, I always felt I was missing something or focusing too much on one area.

Thanks!

Ben L
Band Gym Member

Resistance Band Training “Builds in A Margin of Error” when Awkward Movements Happen

Last Monday I was headed out to work. Opened the front door and it was raining. I took one step and down I went. The granite steps were coated with ice and the slight rain made them very slick.

All I remember was the violent strike to my hip and then to my left shoulder as I continued to tumble all the way down the 6 steps to the driveway.

I had my gym band bag in one hand and my lunch in the other.

As I laid in a puddle at the bottom of the steps I did a quick feel over for anything that may be broken.

I got up and went into the garage and house to change my clothes. Mary, my wife is a nurse so she also gave me a once over as well.

Back in dry clothes I headed out to the plant.

When I got to the plant I headed up to the gym to get my roller and bands out. I did a 40 min workup to check for any hidden injuries. I did find my ankle was sore but not enough to stop working out.

The next two days the soreness and bruising set in but really nothing compared to the violence of the fall especially being 61 years old.

I attribute the lack of overall injury to my strength and range of movement from doing your workouts with your bands and the roller.

Thanks Dave!

Brian R.
RBT Enthusiasts

I wanted to tell you I’m sticking with you. I love all the info and the videos and the daily feed of the mobility-themed workouts.

Hi Dave,

Got the email today about continuing or canceling membership and I wanted to tell you I’m sticking with you.

I love all the info and the videos and the daily feed of the mobility-themed workouts. I love looking good, but at this point in life I can see well enough into the future that it’s obvious that looking good is a distant second to being able to do things I enjoy and to keep doing them.

So I’m excited to stick with you and keep learning! I can’t believe how much there is to learn on your site.

Tobin B
Band Gym Member

So glad to be back in the Band Gym.

Hi Dave,

So glad to be back in the Band Gym. Been having a blast the last 2 years and really can’t Thank You enough for changing my thinking as far as working out.

It is a game changer and I look forward to the future without injuries.

Have a great day.

Diane P.

I love your products and videos.

Dave, Thank you for your input. My body feels great since I’ve been working out with bands. I love your products and videos. I try to spread the word about RBT. It’s great for any age and any fitness level.

Kevin S.
RBT Fitness Enthusiasts

After contemplating for the longest time whether to buy the band gym membership, I did and am not disappointed.

Hey Dave how is it going?? I am well thanks for asking. After contemplating for the longest time whether to buy The Band Gym membership, I did and am not disappointed. You always put so much free stuff on the net and I have taken advantage of it. I have been training with bands for a couple of years now and I love it. I will be traveling to Europe for about three weeks for the holidays and plan to take a couple of bands along. The Band Gym is so extensive that I have a blast looking at the different things. I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Stay safe and healthy.

Victor G
Band Gym Member

I’ve never felt any pain or discomfort, no injuries and I am building muscle and fitness.

Dave,

I found out about your site after injuring myself during training with weights and after working out with bands using your exercises and programs. I’ve never felt any pain or discomfort, no injuries and I am building muscle and fitness.

Thank you so much for all your work, explanations and study materials. It’s good to learn more about movements and physics etc while working out!

Marcos Z.
Band Gym Member

Dave!! It’s (The New Band Gym) very clean and user friendly looking. And I REALLY like the idea of providing a workout each day!

I love the new Band Gym format, Dave!! It’s very clean and user friendly looking. And I REALLY like the idea of providing a workout each day! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the multitude of awesome choices we have in the BG, so this can be my “go to” when I’m not sure what I want to do for a day/week! I’m really excited about it and can’t wait for it to roll out!

Super job!!

Beth M

Your renovated Band Gym is fantastic! It’s a must for anybody who wants to do RBT, regardless of experience.

Dave,

Your renovated Band Gym is fantastic! It makes it super easy to find the right exercise at the right time. It also helped me discover resources that I didn’t know existed.

In short, it is a major value booster! I’d go so far as to say it’s a must for anybody who wants to do RBT, regardless of experience. For beginners, it provides clear and easy ways to get going. And for folks like me who have been loving bands for more than a year, it’s a convenient way to learn and refresh.

Bravo! Congrats on a job well done. Thanks for letting members be among the first to see it.

Cheers,
Michael H
Band Gym Member

It will be a rare day when I enter a fitness center again. Thanks again.

Dave:

Just a note to thank you both for your product and what you offer and do. I found ResistanceBandTraining in a NY Times article that recommended you among others in evaluating resistance bands. It’s a new type of training for me. I’ve been a gym rat, off and on, since the mid-1990s, and have used a variety of trainers to educate me. Over the years, I’ve put together my own workout regimens. But the pandemic sidelined me, and I sat idle (I used the time to write a historical novel but that’s another story). A dear friend and former trainer of mine recommended resistance bands. So I tried them out, buying a $15 pair on Ebay. On the first workout, one snapped. I got what I paid for. Then I found you, bought one of your sets and now I’m into it. To get the feel of them, I’ve followed your workout schedule and your flow of exercises. I have changed up the routines a bit to fit my own system. But you’ve changed me, at the somewhat stubborn age of 73. I’m using my home office for workouts. It will be a rare day when I enter a fitness center again. Thanks again.

My very best,

Jerry P.
RBT Enthusiasts and Customer