“Rubber Band Man” Offers Tips For Staying In Shape Over Summer Vacation

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 2, 2012 - Here’s welcome news for fitness buffs who think they have to forego working out while away from their gyms on summer vacation.  Spectrum Athletic Clubs fitness trainer Matty Whitmore, a finalist on CBS’s “Survivor: Gabon” and affectionately referred to by some clients as “rubber band man,” recommends taking along a device that is small, light, affordable and fits easily in any piece of luggage – a rubber band.  Actually, the fitness industry refers to it as a resistance band and they are readily available at sporting goods stores and online retailers.
          “Research shows that resistance training involving these bands will strengthen and tone muscles and even increase bone mass,” said Whitmore, who has served as one of Spectrum’s top trainers since 2003.  “Because they are so portable, inexpensive and versatile, resistance bands are ideal for those who are away from their gym of choice.”
Whitmore offers these basic resistance band exercises:
·      Shoulder Abduction-- Stand on the center of the band and grab of either end with your hands.  Raise your arms out to your side then upward and over your head. Slowly return to starting position and repeat.

·      Chest Press—Wrap the band around a sturdy object behind you at chest level.  Begin with the elbows bent to 90 degrees, forearms parallel to the floor.  Keep the right arm stationary and press the left arm out.  Bring the left arm back and then press forward with the right arm.  Continue alternating arms on each side.

·      Bicep Curl—Stand on the band and grasp either end with palms facing out. Keeping abs in and knees slightly bent, bend arms and bring palms toward shoulders in a bicep curl. Position feet wider for more tension.

·      Pushup—Begin on knees or toes and wrap the band over your back, holding onto the ends with both hands flat on the floor. Loop the band to add tension and bend elbows into pushup.

·      Standing Hip Abduction—Tie the band around your ankles in a loop.  Raise your leg out to the side as high as you can while contracting your butt and hip muscles.

·      Lunges-- Stand with right leg forward, left leg back and band positioned under right leg. Maintain tension on the band by bending your elbows, lower into a lunge until both knees are at 90 degrees, front knee behind the toe.

Spectrum Clubs, Inc. is one of the most respected fitness companies in the United States, with 12 premium locations in Southern California.  With roots that trace back to 1979, Spectrum offers spacious, modern facilities, highly trained staff, the latest in fitness equipment, high-end amenities and a full range of fitness programming.  Spectrum prides itself in providing a fitness experience designed to help its members achieve their individual goals.  Visit www.spectrumclubs.com for more information.