Lifting with bands - progression?

[Jim Ouini]

I've just started using bands in some of my lifts. It's pretty fun, definitely gives it a new twist especially with lighter weights I feel pretty confident.

My question is the best way to mix and match the weights and bands e.g., 275 on the bar w/50lb band or 225 w/100 lb band. Does one keep the weights constant and try to move up in bands? or keep the band constant and adjust the weights?

Does it depend on where I think my weak points are? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Illuminati]

I've just started using bands in some of my lifts. It's pretty fun, definitely gives it a new twist especially with lighter weights I feel pretty confident.

My question is the best way to mix and match the weights and bands e.g., 275 on the bar w/50lb band or 225 w/100 lb band. Does one keep the weights constant and try to move up in bands? or keep the band constant and adjust the weights?

Does it depend on where I think my weak points are? Any help is appreciated.

depends on how you train. which bands do you have? do you use WSB? if you are using the bands on your DE days, go up in weight as long as you can maintain bar speed. if you want to use them on your ME days, do whatever you want. either load up the bar with tons of band tension, and weight, or lots of weight, and some band tension. its really all in how you feel. i would use the bands with light tension for a while before you go and load the bar up with and insane amount of band tension. and always use a spotter. the tension will sneak up on you, and the bar could come crashing down on your face.

 

[Jim Ouini]

I have a set from Ironwoody (they're a bit cheaper than JS I think). Right now I'm just using the mini's for deadlifting. Haven't used them on my other lifts as of yet but may for squatting and I messed around with them on bench once and you are right the tension really snuck up on me like some big dude was pushing down on the bar

I'm not doing WSB (still reading up on it) but I am working on my speed right now so I think I'm going to keep using the mini and bump up the weight.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

 

[Illuminati]

I have a set from Ironwoody (they're a bit cheaper than JS I think). Right now I'm just using the mini's for deadlifting. Haven't used them on my other lifts as of yet but may for squatting and I messed around with them on bench once and you are right the tension really snuck up on me like some big dude was pushing down on the bar

I'm not doing WSB (still reading up on it) but I am working on my speed right now so I think I'm going to keep using the mini and bump up the weight.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

the mini's aren't enough band tension for the deadlift. you should at least use the next size up. i would only use the mini's for bench press. anything else, use at least the next size up. how do you attach your bands? if you dont have one of those deadlift platforms, you can always use the squat rack, and double the bands over the bottom of the rack.
let me know if you have any specific questions about WSB. I trained with the method for about 2 years, until i screwed my back up squatting. I can probably answer most of the questions that you might have, if not, I can direct you to the right place.
A good place to go for info is elitefts.com read anything, and everything that is in the article section. best of luck with the training. again, let me know if you need any help.

 

[Jim Ouini]

Thanks for the info. I've looked up band training on various sites including EliteFTS but I haven't come across much with regards to progression. Just basic setup and to use on speed day.

I don't have a dead platform. Right now I'm laying one band over the bar so one end is in front and one in back. Then I pull the ends so they're even and step on them with my feet. So basically the band is doubled up. At the moment I'm also pulling off a step to work on my starts (As you can tell I like to try new things )

Anyway, I was thinking about bringing the next size up band to the gym anyway tomorrow for my makeshift reverse hypers so I'll try them with my lighter deads.

Appreciate the help, I'll be sure to ask away.