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Band builder

Build muscle · Resistance bands · 30–40 min

Bands are quietly brilliant for muscle: the tension climbs through the rep, and the studies show real hypertrophy. Volume and effort do the rest.

How to do it

3 sets of each exercise, 10–20 reps, slow on the way back. Done 2–3 times a week, every muscle gets its ~10 weekly sets.

The exercises

1

Band squats

3 × 12–15

Constant tension — no resting at the top.

2

Band chest press

3 × 10–15

Slow return; the band pulls, you resist.

3

Band rows

3 × 10–15

Two seconds out, two seconds back.

4

Band deadlifts

3 × 12–15

Stand tall and squeeze at the top.

5

Band curls

3 × 12–15

Stand on the band, curl slowly, no swinging.

6

Band pull-aparts

3 × 15–20

The rear shoulders love the burn.

Good to know

Resist the band on the way back — that's your eccentric, and it's precious. If a set doesn't burn a little by the end, shorten the band.