Before modern invention, the ability to build muscle or strength train for sport or fun, was dependant on the clever use of what ever nature made available, as seen on Egyptian tombs, with displays of men exercising with make-shift techniques of swinging rock or sand. According to the earliest records, the Greeks began the Olympics in 776 B.C. and bodybuilding wasn't a competitive sport ( the art of displaying the muscles) until Eugene Sandow popularized it in September, 1901 with the first bodybuilding contest held in London, U.K..



Not only are the Olympics in full swing again, but weightlifting competitions have been entered since 1896 and in 2000 women could also compete.

Weightlifting and strength training didn't become popular until an easily adjustable barbell was created in 1910 by Alvin Calvert, that allowed the user to conveniently remove or add more weight. More and more people were now training at home and the easy to adjust and handle equipment was eventually implemented by athletic and physical education departments that gave the adjustable barbell even more popularity.

It wasn't until the early 1970's when the Nautilus machines were introduced that the industry really took off. The Nautilus was a more sophisticated version of the previous Universal machines. The Nautilus now made it possible to get a full body workout with the safe use of pullies and cables, allowing the user proper fluid natural movement and resistance.

The early 70's also saw a rush of women now joining the health clubs and gyms for both weight management and strength training and also applying the new popular aerobic type of exercises. Sport training departments today, also utilize both free weights and resistance equipment.

One of the first things I did when I got out of high school in 1973 was join The Chicago Health Club ( Bally's Total Fitness ). I was completly impressed and hooked on the Nautilus equipment. It was almost all I used for bodybuilding and strength training. I used free weights before I joined but realized I could get a better and more efficent workout for the results I was looking for on the Nautilus machines and have been maintaining great results by using the same principles ever since.

After the success and popularity of the Nautilus, all kinds of different resistance type contraptions emerged onto the market. The problem with all of these devices is they are expensive and bulky.

Unlike resistance equipment, the use of free weights, if not done carefully and correctly can cause injury due to the fact your own limited strength needs to bear all the weight during a set. A spotter should be used for bench presses for instance, when using free weights.

Resistance bands have also become a part of many peoples fitness program, including myself. With the careful and clever use of bands or tubes you can adjust the resistance by simply adding or removing bands or use color coated bands for different ranges of resistance.

I've been using a personally designed full body resistance band workout system for almost 15 years now and I have experienced great success by duplicating the nautilus equipment regimen.

To be successful with a band workout, the bands need to be strategically anchored so you can get the proper movement for the muscle group you are working on. You should be able to comfortably perform at least ten repetitions of any exercise.

Resistance bands and tubes are a cheap but effective alternative to the conventional equipment of today and when quality workouts are done frequently, you can achieve the same results.

The workouts are no different than free weight routines, with the precise movement and resistance necessary for good results.

Resistance bands can be safely used by kids and teenagers, men and women, boomers and seniors, and can be used for bodybuilding and strength training, weight management and flexibility, physical therapy and fitness conditioning, or to enhance athleticism.

Resistance Exercise (RE) studies, have given researchers conclusions of positive end results in the changes that take place when an exerciser performs RE. Not only does the exerciser experience positive physical changes and cardiovascular improvement but positive phsycological changes as well.

Resistance bands can be an inexpensive productive way of weight-control or getting and staying in shape. Everyone should deploy some sort of strength training or regular physical activity into their lifestyles.

You too can reap the benefits of a properly orchestrated resistance workout routine copying what Iv'e been doing for the past 15 years by waiting a little bit longer until I release a version of my system.