Resistance Band Exercises (Upper Body)

The following resistance band exercises are designed to improve the strength of the muscles of the upper body. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should only be performed provided they do not cause or increase pain. 

Begin by performing a few of the basic resistance band exercises. Once these are too easy, gradually add the remaining basic exercises and eventually the advanced exercises. 

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Resistance Band Exercises – Basic Upper Body 

The following basic resistance band exercises should be performed approximately 1 - 3 times per week provided they do not cause or increase pain. Ideally they should not be performed on consecutive days, to allow muscle recovery. As your strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions, number of sets or resistance of the exercises provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Biceps Curl

Begin this exercise with a resistance band under your feet and around your hands as demonstrated (figure 1). Your back and elbows should be straight. Slowly bend your elbows against the band tightening your biceps. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions as far as possible and comfortable without pain. 

Figure 1 – Bicep Curl

Triceps Extension

Begin this exercise with a resistance band held in both hands and tied securely at waist height (or higher) as demonstrated (figure 2). Your elbows should begin bent. Keeping your back straight, slowly straighten your elbows against the band tightening the muscles at the back of your arm (triceps). Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions as far as possible and comfortable without pain. (N.B. This exercise can also be performed in standing). 

Figure 2 – Triceps Extension

External Rotation 

Begin this exercise standing with your back straight, shoulder blades back slightly and holding a resistance band as demonstrated (figure 3). Keeping your elbow at your side and bent to 90 degrees, slowly move your hand away from your body keeping your shoulder blade still. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions as far as possible provided it is pain free on each side. 

Figure 3 – External Rotation (left side)

Internal Rotation 

Begin this exercise standing with your back straight, shoulder blades back slightly and holding a resistance band as demonstrated (figure 4). Keeping your elbow at your side and bent to 90 degrees, slowly move your hand towards your body keeping your shoulder blade still. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions as far as possible provided it is pain free on each side. 

Figure 4 – Internal Rotation (right side)

Pull Backs 

Begin this exercise in standing or kneeling with your back straight and holding a resistance band as demonstrated (figure 5). Slowly pull your arms backwards, squeezing your shoulder blades together as demonstrated. Hold for 2 seconds and return to the start position. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided it is pain free. 

Figure 5 – Pull Backs 

Pull Downs

Begin this exercise in standing or kneeling with your back straight and holding a resistance band as demonstrated (figure 6). Keeping your back and elbows straight, slowly pull the band to your hips as demonstrated. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided it is pain free. 

Figure 6 – Pull Downs