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20-Minute Resistance Band Workout

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About This Workout
Our members asked us for more workout options that can be done at a desk. Like our popular Desk Workout, you need very little space to do these seated exercises. This workout will take you through a series of 10 exercises that work all of your major muscle groups, and end with seated stretches for the deskbound exerciser.
  • Length: 20 minutes
  • Equipment: A sturdy chair and a resistance band
  • Type of Workout: Strength training (toning) & flexibility
  • Muscles Worked: Most major muscle groups (chest, upper back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, abs, obliques, lower back, hips, quads, outer thighs, calves)
  • Fitness Level: Beginner to intermediate; because you sit in a chair the entire time, this video may also be suitable for individuals with limited mobility (see Extra Tip below).
  • Impact: Low-impact
  • Safety Precautions: Warm up before starting this workout and wear athletic shoes.
  • Extra Tip: This workout starts with upper body exercises, progresses to core (abs) exercises, and ends with lower body exercises, making it suitable for individuals with limited mobility and/or disabilities. A person who has limited use of her legs, for example, can complete the first (and possibly second) set of exercises, which focus on the upper body and core. You can fast forward to the sections of the video that apply to you.

Member Comments

  • Thank you for this video I never thought I would be doing strength training this is great - 5/13/2013 7:48:27 AM
  • Nicole,
    I am just recovering from a lumbar impingement affecting my femoral nerve. I'm doing some stretching exercises for my column twice daily.
    Now I'd like to know if I can do these exercises (20-minute Resistance Band) safely. Thanks! - 5/6/2013 11:18:23 AM
  • I enjoyed it but the lower body part was awkward because my bands don't have handles. Next time I am out I will check out the prices of those with handles. - 5/4/2013 9:43:16 PM
  • Good stuff to learn here!! First time I've used my resistance band and I'm liking it!!
    Thanks Nicole : ) - 5/2/2013 10:16:06 AM
  • I have had a knee replacement. I love the seated exercises. They compliment my physical therapy moves and extend my exercise to other parts of my body. The two videos I found this winter I was able to do almost immediately. My other knee is to be done soon. Although I have saved the ones I have found to my favorites for leg two, I really would love Nicole to put the seated routines on a DVD for us. I'd buy it! - 4/27/2013 11:55:49 AM
  • wonderful work out for a senior like me. - 3/27/2013 9:28:12 AM
  • My absolutely favourite work out ever since i found it on the diabetes challenge.

    Thanks Coach NIcole , I have great biceps. - 3/14/2013 3:30:24 PM
  • Seabrim, This was my first day. I didn't have the band, but I went through the experience. I allowed me to use some energy. I am looking forward to doing this daily. Thank you for your time. - 3/14/2013 2:57:49 PM
  • Ow,, ow, ow! LOL!!! - 3/9/2013 7:29:46 AM
  • It would be so great if you could put these chair exercises on a DVD. - 2/13/2013 11:03:02 PM
  • Thank you for this terrific workout. I did what I could. I have had a shoulder replacement that limits my right shoulder mobility, but these exercises will strengthen those wekaened muscles. I have had both my hips replaced so couldn't not safely do the outer thigh exercises. All in all this is a great set of exercises for the condition my body is currently in. Thank you again. - 2/11/2013 8:05:18 PM
  • Tthank you for a tough workout (for me). I am currently totally unfit, in the worst possible shape. This is largely due to my health problems. I have been totally bedridden for quite some time so I am quite weak and become easily fatigued. I was not able to do all the reps on all the exercises but I did as many as I could and kept up with you to the best of my ability. I won't give up. My mantra for now is "I think I can, I think I can. . . " I will reach the top of my personal uphill climb, one step, one rep at a time. - 2/5/2013 7:45:36 PM
  • Thanks Nicole. I had rotator cuff surgery and this helps work my shoulder to increase range of motion. - 2/3/2013 7:22:40 PM
  • I worked up a bit of a sweat doing this. Great workout that didn't bother my sprained toe! - 1/6/2013 11:12:21 AM
  • Thank you Nicole. Finally a Personal Trainer who gets that not everyone can do Cross Fit off the bat. That's right. I hired a PT and even though I told her I was unfit, obese and generally weak and out of shape, she put me on a grueling Cross Fit routine. My face was red from the effort and she told me it was ok, "YOU CAN DO IT!". Then I found out that she works mainly with 20 year olds. The amazing thing is she is 60! So that was inspiring but I gave up because it was just too grueling and intense for my level. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. So this is PERFECT! Thank you SO much!!! - 12/19/2012 11:32:12 AM

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