Few movements in the powerlifting world are as simultaneously thrilling and intimidating as those that include bands. There’s no way around it; using bands just looks cool.
But there’s one thing that doesn’t look cool: a limp band hanging from a bar and offering nothing to the strength curve of the movement. If you’re making this (or any other) band setup error, follow JL’s quick video-guide and learn to use accommodating resistance the right way.
General Rules
- There should always be tension on the bar
- Keep the bands’ action-line in correct alignment with the groove of the lifter
- Test the bands with an empty bar to ensure there is even tension
General Rules for the Bench
- Do not single-choke the bands
- Double loop each band around two band pegs
- Widen the pegs to increase tension
- No band pegs? Use heavy dumbbells
General Rules for the Squat
- Unrack with one foot slightly behind the other
- Choke the band around band peg
- Do not double-loop band
- Walk the bar out until the bands are straight up and down