Written by Anne Praino, Account Manager, Corporate Benefits
August has arrived, and while students are fine-tuning their flutes and perfecting high-kick routines, we’re enrolling in a different kind of camp, Band Camp: Corporate Edition. No woodwinds, no drumlines, just you and a resistance band. Resistance bands are elastic training tools that come in playful colors and varying resistance levels, but don’t let the fun design fool you. Resistance bands are the Swiss Army knives of fitness: lightweight, low impact and highly effective at boosting strength and improving flexibility. They’re convenient enough to fit in your desk drawer and versatile enough to turn any space – from office corners to bedrooms – into a workout zone. So, this month we are going to channel your inner band camper and let your muscles march to the beat.
Resistance bands may look unassuming, but they deliver powerhouse performance when it comes to strength training. By providing external resistance throughout the full range of motion, they encourage deeper muscle engagement and sustained tension — often more than traditional weights. As the band stretches, it continuously challenges your muscles. A 2019 study found that resistance band training yields strength gains comparable to conventional gym equipment. As exercise physiologist Christopher Travers, MS, puts it: "In many ways, bands put more tension on your muscles and work them longer during movements." No bells, no whistles, just simple tools with serious impact.” (How Effective Are Resistance Bands for Strength Training?, 2022)
Resistance bands are an excellent tool for total-body stretching, capable of targeting multiple muscle groups with ease. Their regular use can significantly improve flexibility and range of motion by enhancing muscle elasticity and joint mobility — key factors for boosting physical performance and reducing injury risk. Incorporating resistance bands into static stretching routines can deepen the stretch by adding consistent tension to the muscles. This extra resistance helps activate and elongate muscles more effectively. (How to Use Resistance Bands to Stretch? Tips for Effective Stretching, 2025)
Resistance bands are widely regarded as a safe and effective fitness tool — especially when beginning with a lower resistance and gradually increasing over time. As Steven E. Mayer, MD, sports medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine in Naperville, Illinois, notes: “The benefits outweigh the risks, as long as you start easy and ramp up slowly.” This progressive approach is especially important for anyone recovering from injury or surgery or managing a chronic health condition. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. (Migala, 2025)
So, join us this month as we go back to Band Camp: Corporate Edition. Carve out just four to seven minutes each day to boost your movement, strength and mobility. Start with a light to medium resistance band and keep it within arm’s reach – whether tucked in your desk drawer or stashed in your lunch box – so you're always ready to dive into your workout whenever it fits your schedule. Complete your daily routine all at once or break it up with one round of exercises to energize your morning and another to shake off the post-lunch slump. If you’re looking for inspiration, there’s a wealth of resistance band workouts available online — YouTube and fitness websites offer plenty of options to suit every level. So, grab your instrument and let’s jam!
