Look, Ma, I am Using a Tube to Build Muscle and Stop Osteoporosis
Written: May 09 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: light, portable, effective, well made product.
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: I love Spri's tubes. The blue heavy tubes are really effective and will make a good addition to your collection of props.
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| jo.com's Full Review: SPRI Products Original Xertube Heavy SPR0004 |
I have reviewed a few resistance bands. One is from a set I own made by Reebok. Many others are by Spri as is the Original Xertube Heavy tube which is what I am reviewing.
What are Xertubes?
These are tubes that, based on their color, offer various amounts of resistance. The Heavy Xertubes are blue. One reason I like Spri over Reebok is that Spri gives me more resistance levels.
The Heavy tubes are considered for fit or very fit men or active women. In comparison the very light yellow are considered for beginners (some seniors and children as well). The Heavy tube offers a resistance level of between 15 and 22 pounds depending on where I hold it. This gives 42% more resistance than the Medium tube. The Medium tube gives me some resistance as opposed to the yellow, very light tube. The Heavy, blue tube gives me significant resistance especially for certain exercises. You will change tubes (or bands as they are also called) depending on what you are doing. For example I find I can easily use the Heavy tube for seated rows but that resistance is challenging for me if I use it for tricep kickbacks. I will explain both these exercises below.
These are not dumbbells but I find that they are really effective and simulate dumbbells fairly well. I am comfortable with 15-20 pound dumbbells doing dumbbell curls. In class we work harder believe it or not than on the gym floor primarily because we do so many repetitions. Three sets of 20 bicep curls using the Heavy tube are challenging!
I love owning and using tubes or resistance bands. They create tension and can be used anywhere. They are inexpensive and perfect for traveling. At $6.75 each for the blue, they are a bargain! The blue, Heavy tubes are 53 inches long.
The tubes allow me to target a muscle group. Not only do they mimic dumbbells you can also use them to mimic work on cables and barbell exercises.
If you have ever been in physical therapy there is a good chance you have used a resistance tube or band of some sort. It is possible that it was not one with handles. Physical therapists often use strips of tubing or flat bands. It is less expensive than buying the ones with handles. If you were buying resistance equipment such as this, I would recommend spending the little extra money and getting ones with handles. You can use them for more exercises and use them more efficiently.
I love the handles on the Spri. The space is a good size for both a foot and hand. The handles, which are made out of a strong flat material, have another handle on the top on which you hold the tubes. The handles are made of a hard plastic which is comfortable enough. You can upgrade to foam handles for an additional $1.00. The foam handles are so comfortable however they do not hold us as well as the plastic handles do. My hand fits right around them nicely.
The tube itself is hollow making it extremely flexible. They are quite strong and even in a gym they seem to hold up really well. I am sure that if you were to buy them you would have them for a lifetime unless you damaged them accidentally. Spri has created what they call a patented sleeve which protects the Xertube. In addition laboratory tests according to the company show that Spri has a longer life than other brands and are more durable under strenuous use. The tubes are made from highest quality rubber, which includes the patented Tuff Tube component. Note that there is latex in all of the rubber resistance products by Spri. If you have a latex allergy you should avoid the use of these products.
The tube is inserted into the handle with a rivet around it. The tube comes through the handle a bit. I cannot imagine the tube ever coming out of the handle.
Unlike Reebok, whose handles are different colors, these handles are all black.
Other information and why use Resistance Tubes:
Not unlike machines and free weights Resistance Tubes by Spri will without a doubt increase muscle strength and muscle mass. They are light and easy to travel with. As you increase muscle mass you will increase your rate of metabolism meaning you will burn more calories. (Muscles burn more calories than fat.) You will also reduce body fat and really important as many of us age will be to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. If you are just passing by you do not know how passionately I feel about this. I am shocked honestly that in 2005 when you cannot open a magazine without seeing the benefits of exercise that not everyone does.
If you are in a wheelchair and cannot lift your hand, then lift your finger once. The next day lift it twice. Studies in nursing homes have shown that seniors who could not lift a fork were able to after working with 1 pound dumbbells and a trainer. (Off my soapbox.)
Always check for possible wear on the tubing before each exercise session. If the tubing has a nick or a cut discontinue use of that tubing product and replace it. There is no safe way to repair a tubing product.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, salt or chlorine treated water. Rubber products by Spri can be used in pools but you should rinse them after each use.
If you order them online you will get a free instruction chart.
My final thoughts:
Spri Heavy Xertubes are portable and easy to use. They can be held at various places to make the tension easier or harder. They are safe to use. I like tubes a lot!
There is no doubt Spri makes a great tube. I have found that using tubes can be safer for clients than dumbbells. It is more difficult to use momentum rather than muscle when doing a bicep curl, making it better on your back and using better form. I have found that using the tube eccentrically (or the negative phase- this is on the downward motion, for example in a bicep curl) is much easier to control using tubes than dumbbells. For someone just beginning or someone who does not work out consistently this is a great way to get them back into proper form.
A few exercises presented by Jo your personal trainer:
I am presenting a couple of exercises you can do when using your tube. Please check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
For your triceps (The back of your upper arm) step with one foot in the middle of the tube. Hold the handles next to your waist with your hands facing up. From that position bring your arms (just from your hand to your elbow) straight back. You are now doing what is called a kickback in dumbbell terms.
A seated row works your back. In a sitting position wrap the tube around your feet so it is secure. The more you wrap it the more resistance you will get. The Heave blue tube I am reviewing will not be able to be wrapped a lot. You will feel this very quickly as you pull. Hold each handle and pull back using your back to pull rather than your biceps. Squeeze for a moment when you get to the back point of this exercise. Keep your back straight just as you would doing a seated row on a machine.
Happy exercising. It is good for your body and soul!
Feel free to leave me a comment or question.
Related reviews in which you may be interested:
Spri Products Xerball Medicine Balls • Spri Xerdisc • Spri 12 pound Body Bar Spri 9 pound Body Bar • Spri 15 pound Body Bar • Spri Very Light Tubes • Spri Light Tubes • Spri Foam Rollers • Spri Ultra Heavy Bands • Spri Ultra Toner
Recommended:
Yes
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