Diet Talk from the Doc
by Dr.Diet, Diet.com's Medical Director

The most effective strength training workout can be done without a single dumbbell, according to Prevention, which tested five sculpting workouts. After 12 weeks, the women in the exercise band group lost 30% more inches off their bellies, hips, arms and thighs - averaging a total loss of 15 inches; they also lost more weight - averaging 6 pounds each.

To read the full article, click here:
The Fastest Way to Sculpt

Dr. Diet weighs in:

Exercise bands are great resistance training tools because they're inexpensive and portable. I highly recommend using bands to supplement your workout.

The women who engaged in the band workout had quite impressive results because supposedly they exercised more. The fact that an exercise band workout can be easily done at home is key because if you're only depending on health club weights for your resistance training workout, your workout may suffer during those busy weeks when you can't get to the club.

Proper form is essential to getting the most benefit from a resistance training workout. If you're new to using exercise bands, you may want to find a book or video or teaching tool that has pictures.

Here is a Diet.com video teaching you some great exercise band basics: Exercise Equipment 101: Exercise Band Partner Workout

The American Council on Exercise is also a good resource as seen in this whole body exercise band workout with pictures: http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/RubrBndWkout.pdf

Incorporate some exercise bands into your workouts this week, and let us know how you feel about them!