Description
What are stretch cords?
Stretch cords are long bands of hollow surgical tubing, approximately 8 to 10 feet long. They are tied at the ends with round handles, plastic handles or paddles.
Six exercises that make a difference:
Butterfly (double-arm pull-back): Holding the cords in front of you, stand far enough away to create some tension in them. Bend over at the waist and lower your head. With arms straight and outstretched in front of you, pull your arms down to your sides as if doing an actual butterfly stroke. Remember to start the pull phase with your palms and forearms. Make sure to keep your elbows pointed out and at your shoulder line. Finish with your hands past your hips.
Single arm (freestyle pull-back): Same as the butterfly, but alternate one arm at a time.
Tricep pull-back: Use the same starting position as the butterfly but keep your elbows tucked into your sides and press your arms behind you. Make sure to squeeze the muscles at the back of your arms at the end of each stroke.
Breaststroke pull: Use the same bent-over starting position as above. Make breaststroke motions with your arms. Maintain a high elbow position and execute the motion with your palms and forearms. Be careful not to let your elbows drop below a line parallel to your shoulders.
Chest fly: Stand upright holding the cords in front of you with a little bit of tension. Start with arms outstretched in front of you. While keeping arms at chest height, pull each arm to the side and back until your hands are in line with your shoulders.
Reverse fly: Standing upright and facing away from the cords, position your hands next to your shoulders and your elbows at shoulder level. Keeping your arms parallel to your shoulders, push out until you can press your hands together in front of your chest. How to get the most from stretch cord training The easiest and most effective way to perform these exercises is with intervals
Start with three sets of 10 repetitions and increase to three sets of 30 to 45 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds to one minute between each set.
Stretch cords are long bands of hollow surgical tubing, approximately 8 to 10 feet long. They are tied at the ends with round handles, plastic handles or paddles.
Six exercises that make a difference:
Butterfly (double-arm pull-back): Holding the cords in front of you, stand far enough away to create some tension in them. Bend over at the waist and lower your head. With arms straight and outstretched in front of you, pull your arms down to your sides as if doing an actual butterfly stroke. Remember to start the pull phase with your palms and forearms. Make sure to keep your elbows pointed out and at your shoulder line. Finish with your hands past your hips.
Single arm (freestyle pull-back): Same as the butterfly, but alternate one arm at a time.
Tricep pull-back: Use the same starting position as the butterfly but keep your elbows tucked into your sides and press your arms behind you. Make sure to squeeze the muscles at the back of your arms at the end of each stroke.
Breaststroke pull: Use the same bent-over starting position as above. Make breaststroke motions with your arms. Maintain a high elbow position and execute the motion with your palms and forearms. Be careful not to let your elbows drop below a line parallel to your shoulders.
Chest fly: Stand upright holding the cords in front of you with a little bit of tension. Start with arms outstretched in front of you. While keeping arms at chest height, pull each arm to the side and back until your hands are in line with your shoulders.
Reverse fly: Standing upright and facing away from the cords, position your hands next to your shoulders and your elbows at shoulder level. Keeping your arms parallel to your shoulders, push out until you can press your hands together in front of your chest. How to get the most from stretch cord training The easiest and most effective way to perform these exercises is with intervals
Start with three sets of 10 repetitions and increase to three sets of 30 to 45 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds to one minute between each set.