Like the various Resistance bands I own and use at the gym, I also use what some call figure eight resistance bands. The name of the product is the Ultra Toner by Spri.
About the Ultra Toner:
The Ultra Toner is a 15 inch long tube that is closed in the middle to form a figure eight. It is closed with a rubber piece that goes around the middle. What is interesting since I just moved the piece is that underneath is another piece of much lighter rubber. What I did not know is that the Ultra Toner is actually two round pieces of plastic. One is inside the other forming a figure eight. You probably could make this design with an elastic. The reason I am surprised is that the Ultra Toner is amazingly durable and strong. When looking at its “insides“ it looks like it would not be. I have used my red one for a long, long time. In addition these are used in a variety of classes I take at the gym and they hold up very well.
Each end of the figure eight has a 5 inch rubber handle. The rubber is soft and slightly rough but really comfortable. It feels very different than other toners I have used that have foam handles. However the ones with the foam handles do not stand up like the Spri Ultra Toner does. I would stay away from any brand that uses foam on the handles. The handles get too much wear and tear to be made of foam and do tear. I have never seen a torn handle on the Spri Ultra Toner. The tube of the Ultra Toner is hollow making it extremely flexible. The tubes are made from rubber, which includes the patented Tuff Tube component.
The Ultra Toner like Spri‘s resistance bands come in 5 levels of resistance. They are Very Light which comes in yellow intended for seniors or children. (As an aside thought Spri does not say this, if your doctor has given you the ok to exercise and you are a senior who can handle more resistance by all means do so.) Then there is the Light resistance toner which is green intended for average women. The Medium is red and is intended for average men or active women. The Heavy is blue intended for elite men or women and the Ultra Heavy, which is purple, is intended for advanced men or women.
The prices are around (depending on where you buy or order these) $9.00 each.
The resistance level is approximate but if you want to buy one or more you will need to have some idea. The yellow is about 3-5 pounds; green is 6-10 pounds; red is 10-15 pounds; blue is 15-22 pounds and purple is 20 to 27 pounds. As a comparison the green tube gives 50% more resistance than the yellow; the red 40% more than the green; blue 42% more than the red and purple is 20% more resistance than blue.
Why use the Ultra Toner?
The Ultra Toner is portable and small yet offers resistance to do a variety of exercises. Some think that rubber tube products can be even more effective than free weights. The reason for this is that when you are lifting free weights, let‘s say you are doing a bicep curl, if they are too heavy you will hear the noise as they are dropped on the rubber mat. With resistance bands you need to be more in control because if you tire at the top of a movement and let go it will snap back at you. I am always amazed that I have a hard time in classes when we use the Ultra Toner or any bands. I lift decent weight so for me to fatigue using what just looks like a piece of rubber tube (which is what it is) feels almost embarrassing. Remember that it is a different technique so do not get frustrated if you find yourself using light bands or only being able to do a few repetitions.
I must say, however, that my husband will not use the Ultra Toner. We do have a product by Altus in which he can take tubes off to make the resistance easier and put them on to make it harder. He is challenged with all three tubes on the Altus but he is not challenged using even the most resistant Ultra Toner. Really I think if he did more repetitions which is what we tend to do in class, he would start to feel it.
An instruction sheet comes with your order of the Spri Ultra Toner.
I think the Ultra Toner is a handy, inexpensive prop that create tension and can be used anywhere. They are inexpensive and perfect for traveling.
The Ultra Toner allows me to target a muscle group. It is not at all difficult to isolate my chest muscles, for example, using the Ultra Toner.
The right resistance level will give the average woman a great workout. I use them for myself and clients for virtually every part of the body. There is no body part that cannot be used with the Ultra Tube. If you choose to buy the Ultra Toner you might want various intensity levels. The reason for this is the same as the reason that you may use 20-pound dumbbells for a flye for your pectoral (chest) muscles) yet only be able to lift with a cuff around you ankle 5 pounds.
My final thoughts:
The Ultra Toner by Spri is portable and easy to use. It is safe to use but like anything you do need to be careful that it does not snap at you if you are using it by your face especially.
For someone just beginning or someone who does not work out consistently the Ultra Toner is a great way to start and you can watch television while you exercise.
Make sure your Toner does not have any holes or worn spots. It can snap and break and you could get hurt so check it frequently though as I have said I have as yet to see one with a hole in it.
Jo, Your Personal Trainer, has some sample exercises for you:
For your chest area stand hold a handle in each hand. The Toner will be right in front of your chest. Stretch the handles outward. If it is too easy you need more resistance. I feel these doing 3 sets of 20. I can almost guarantee that you will feel these the next day so you will know you have worked hard.
You will do essentially the same exercise as above but put each foot in each side of the Toner. Stretch your feet slowly (do everything slowly) then let them release and continue. This is a great calf and thigh workout.
Now stand up and put each side around your ankles with one leg behind the other. Keeping one leg in place bring the other leg back. This simulates the work we might do with an ankle cuff and a cable. You will feel that in your buttocks and hamstrings.
Now lie down and do the same thing. One leg stays of the floor the other is raised. You will feel this in your quadriceps (upper thighs).
The Ultra toner can be used to work your triceps (the area of your arm that flaps in the wind) and even your biceps. Sit in a chair. Put one foot on a handle and grab the other handle with your hand. Now do a bicep curl.
Happy exercising. It is good for your body and soul!
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