Band Upper-Body 1.1 | Adapt to Perform
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Band Upper-Body 1.1

Session overview

Welcome to the "Band Upper-Body" beginner gym session – a fantastic workout tailored for wheelchair users, focusing on enhancing your upper body strength using the power of resistance bands! Get ready to embark on a journey that will shape and strengthen your muscles with these versatile and effective bands. We designed a series of exercises that target your chest, shoulders, arms, and back, ensuring a well-rounded and accessible workout experience. The resistance bands provide adjustable tension, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Whether you're a fitness newbie or looking to spice up your routine, "Band Upper-Body" is here to empower you and make fitness a part of your joyful and active lifestyle. So, let's get those bands stretched, and together, we'll unleash the power of your upper body like never before! 💪😊

Session details
Whiteboard
Resistance
Upper Body
Total time of workout
45 minutes
Equipment
Intensity:
Easy
Medium
Hard
00:00:00
1. Band Chest Press
Reps: 3 x 15 3 x 15 3 x 15
Exercise 1

Band Chest Press

Reps
3 x 15
3 x 15
3 x 15
Description

First, grab one end of a band in one hand, wrap it around something that won’t move or break and grab the other end in the other hand. Be sure to attach it at chest height.

You should position yourself facing away from the anchor point. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack when your hands are at shoulder height and your elbows are slightly behind you pointing backwards.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your hands forward, by extending at the elbows until the arms are fully extended or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arms back to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

If you're using a round resistance band then using a back of a chair may be better to prevent it from moving up
If you struggle to keep in the position do the single arm variation

2. Band Row
Reps: 3 x 15 3 x 15 3 x 15
Exercise 2

Band Row

Reps
3 x 15
3 x 15
3 x 15
Description

First, grab one end of a band in one hand, wrap it around something that won’t move or break and grab the other end in the other hand. Be sure to attach it to chest height.

You should position yourself facing toward the anchor point and with your hands straight up at shoulder height in front of you pointing at the anchor. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

First, pull your shoulders back then bend your elbows and pull them into the side of your body whilst the hands remain pointing forward. Then return the arms to their original position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

3. Band Shoulder Press - Single Arm
Reps: 3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
Exercise 3

Band Shoulder Press - Single Arm

Reps
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at waist height.

You should position yourself perpendicular from the anchor point and grab the band in the hand closest to the anchor. Bring your elbow in a bent position tucked up to your side and your hand at shoulder height also to the side. Make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack in this position.

This is the starting position.

From here press the band up and above your head or as far as you can, keeping the elbow out to the side through the movement. After this, slowly return the arm back to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Tips

Don't worry about keeping your shoulders pushed back and down as you reach your highest point.
At the peak of the movement, let the elbows spin and point outward; however, at the bottom, tuck them tightly against the rib cage.
Keep the movement from gaining momentum.
Imagine trying to gaze out a window from the top; your biceps and ears should be in line.
Consider experimenting with a wider grasp or shorter range if the movement is causing you any shoulder pain.

4. Band Bicep Curl
Reps: 3 x 15 3 x 15 3 x 15
Exercise 4

Band Bicep Curl

Reps
3 x 15
3 x 15
3 x 15
Description

First, grab one end of a band in one hand, wrap it around something that won’t move or break and grab the other end in the other hand. Be sure to attach it at about your chest height.

You should position yourself facing the anchor point. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack with your arms out straight pointing at the anchor point and your palms facing up.

This is the starting position.

From here curl your hands towards you, by bending at the elbows until the arms are fully flexed or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arms back down to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Resistance Band Bicep Curl Tips:

Focus on only allowing your forearms to move.
Keep the rep timing slow and control the band throughout the set - don't let the band return quickly.

5. Band Tricep Kickback - Single Arm
Reps: 3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
Exercise 5

Band Tricep Kickback - Single Arm

Reps
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
3 x 15
On each arm
Description

First, securely attach a band to something that won’t move or break. Be sure to attach it at shoulder height.

You should position yourself facing the anchor point. Bend forward by hinging at your hips. Also make sure you are far enough away that there is no slack when your elbows are tucked in at your side and your hands pointing towards the floor and your palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here extend your hand behind you, by extending at the elbow until the arm is fully extended or as far as you can. After this, slowly return the arm back down to the starting position. This is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all the reps on one arm, if required in the program and you are able to do so, repeat the exercise and the repetitions with the other arm.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands D-Ring Aids and a Carabiner to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Exercise Tips

Focus on moving the weight with your triceps, keeping control of the weight as you slowly return back to the starting position.
Keep your body as still as possible, moving only your forearms.