untitled

Don’t be afraid to play around with the different types of adjustments. Attach-

ing a new bar is easier than it looks, and you may find that, when working your

triceps, a V-shaped bar feels more comfortable than a straight bar. When you

do make the switcheroo, you may need to adjust the amount of weight you’re

using. Even if you’re doing the very same exercise, you may use more weight

pulling down the V-shaped bar than you would pulling down the straight bar.

Tubes and Bands .........................................................................................

Exercise tubesare like the thick rubber tubes you can find in a medical-supply

store — they just come in brighter colors. Some exercise tubes have handles

or buckles attached to each end (see Figure 13-3), or they come in a kit with

attachable plastic bars and door attachments. You also can buy exercise

bands,which are long, flat sheets of strong rubber.

Photograph by Sunstreak Productions, Inc.

You can exercise virtually every muscle group in your body with bands and

tubes, although tubes work better for some exercises, while bands work

better for others. You just have to experiment. Here’s how you can use bands

to work both of your biceps at once: You stand on the center of the band and

hold an end in each hand, with your elbows by your sides. Bend your arms

Figure 13-3:

You can use

exercise

tubes to

strengthen

virtually

every

muscle in

your body.

202 Part IV: Lift and Curl: Building a Stronger Bod with Weights